Garden Houseplants How to Grow Turmeric Indoors—as a Houseplant or to Harvest Turmeric is easy to grow at home from rhizomes. By SJ McShane SJ McShane SJ McShane is an avid gardener who built her small-scale farm from the ground up. SJ has been writing professionally for well over a decade and loves to help others be the best gardener they can be. Editorial Guidelines Published on January 7, 2025 In This Article View All In This Article Varieties When to Plant How to Plant Caring for Turmeric Harvesting Turmeric FAQ Close Photo: AnnaPustynnikova / Getty Images Growing turmeric (Curcuma longa) indoors is a simple and rewarding process. The most challenging part is being patient as you wait for the rhizome to sprout. Turmeric, a tropical plant related to ginger, is known for its golden color and spicy taste that adds flavor to smoothies, soups, stews, and other dishes. Though it takes about seven to 10 months from planting to harvesting, you can enjoy a beautiful houseplant with large, vibrant green leaves in the meantime. To successfully grow turmeric indoors, consider these expert tips for optimal planting conditions, watering, and care. With the right approach, you can enjoy both the beauty and bounty of this amazing spice year-round. Brian Norman, president of United States of Turmerica Farms LLC, a grower of certified organic turmeric Ian Jerolmack, owner and operator of Stonecipher Farm, a no-till, organic vegetable farm in Bowdoinham, Maine You Don't Need a Garden to Grow Ginger—Here's How to Do It Indoors Types of Turmeric to Grow Indoors There are over 130 varieties of turmeric, and many notable types can be grown indoors, including yellow, black, red, and white turmeric. The most commonly used turmeric variety is yellow, known for its high yield and hardiness, says Brian Norman, president of United States of Turmerica Farms LLC. Black turmeric, on the other hand, is highly sought after and quite expensive due to its scarcity and low yield. When to Plant Turmeric Indoors For best results, plant turmeric indoors in late winter, about ten months before the first fall frost. Because turmeric requires a long growing season, February is an excellent month to start growing this spice, says Norman. How to Plant Turmeric Indoors Turmeric is best grown from the plant's roots, or rhizomes, which is what you see at your grocery store. While you can grow turmeric purchased from a grocery store, it's best to use certified organic turmeric, as conventional turmeric may be treated with growth inhibitors or irradiated, says Ian Jerolmack, owner and operator of Stonecipher Farm. Here's how to grow turmeric from rhizomes: Choose turmeric rhizomes with a few eyes, which is where new shoots develop. Wash the turmeric thoroughly. Cut the rhizomes into segments 1 to 2 inches long with a few eyes on each. Let the segments sit for a few days. Fill a container with rich, loamy soil. Plant the segments in the soil 2 to 4 inches deep and 6 inches apart with the eyes pointing upwards.Water well and place the segments in a warm area with bright, indirect sunlight. How to Care for Turmeric Indoors HeikeRau / Getty Images Proper care for your turmeric plant will determine its success. Following these guidelines will help ensure your turmeric plant thrives indoors. Sunlight Turmeric needs at least six hours of sunlight to thrive. Although the leaves may sometimes appear stressed from too much sun, the rhizomes benefit greatly from receiving as much sunlight as possible, says Norman. Soil Turmeric grows best in well-balanced soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. While it can thrive in various soil types, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter, such as worm castings or manure, is ideal. Water Turmeric requires ample watering during the growing season, but avoid overwatering. Prolonged soaking, particularly in cooler temperatures, can lead to root rot. Temperature Maintain consistently warm temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage sprouting after planting. However, once grown, different types of turmeric have varying tolerances to certain conditions, says Norman. Yellow turmeric is highly cold-hardy and drought-tolerant. In contrast, white turmeric is more sensitive and can rot quickly if conditions are not ideal. Black turmeric can withstand cold temperatures, but you'll need to scale back your watering schedule accordingly. Fertilizer Fertilizer is unnecessary if you have healthy soil, says Norman, adding that the best fertilizer is worm castings made from organic produce. How to Harvest Turmeric Indoors Unlike ginger, turmeric develops a primary stem with tubers growing around it, says Jerolmack. Turmeric is ready to be harvested when the leaves and stem turn brown and dry (about 10 months after planting). Gently pull up the entire plant to harvest, shaking off the soil. Alternatively, you can reach into the soil and break off the smaller rhizomes, which will not affect the primary root or stem of the plant, says Jerolmack. Every part of the root is edible, but the top of the primary stem tends to be less potent. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to grow turmeric indoors? It can take several months for turmeric to break dormancy and sprout. The roots require warm soil to encourage growth. After sprouting, turmeric will need about four more months until it's ready to be harvested, says Jerolmack. Is turmeric easy to grow? With the right growing conditions and care, turmeric is easy to grow. The most challenging part may be the waiting period for it to sprout. Are turmeric leaves bitter? Turmeric leaves, as well as the rest of the plant, are edible, says Jerolmack. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Martha Stewart is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. University of Georgia Extension. Growing Ginger and Turmeric at Home.