Planting Turmeric Root

Some time ago, I learned about the immense health benefits of turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that is extracted from the turmeric root (much like ginger), and is widely used in the culinary traditions of the East, to create delicious dishes like curry. It has also been widely studied for its medicinal properties, for the treatment of arthritis, pain relief, and is even said to be an anti-cancer agent. For this reason, turmeric has gained a major spotlight in both the worlds of food and medicine. 

After a friend gave me a few fresh pieces of turmeric root, she instructed me to let them "sprout" before planting. So I let them hang out for a couple months, in the slightly warm and damp conditions of my kitchen, until "rhizomes" started sprouting from the root. (This will help establish a larger network of roots while growing in the soil.) Finally, I decided to plant them.  

It is said that the turmeric root takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months to harvest after planting.  I dug in a couple larger pieces directly into the ground, and one smaller piece into a pot. They will require regular water, and good drainage, and full to partial sunlight.  The rest will be nature's work :) 

Rhizomes growing from the turmeric root, at the top, and along the sides.

Planted one root about 1-1/2 inches inside a pot, filled with good soil and compost mix. Cover, and moisten with water. 

Planted larger pieces directly into the ground, about a couple inches deep, then covered with soil and water.

Marking my area with a few sticks, until we see it grow! (about 6-12 months).