Overview
- Common Name: Turmeric / Luyang Dilaw
- Scientific Name: Curcuma longa
- Plant Type: Perennial rhizome (grown annually for harvest)
- Uses: Spice, medicinal (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant), dye, herbal tea
- Growth Habit: Grows from underground rhizomes with leafy shoots up to 1 m tall
- Harvest Time: 8–10 months after planting
Best Varieties for the Philippines
| Variety | Features | Disadvantages | Typical Height |
|---|
| Native Turmeric (Tagalog Variety) | Strong golden color and rich aroma; hardy and well-adapted to local tropical conditions. | Smaller rhizomes and slightly lower yield than hybrids. | 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) |
| CIM-Pitamber (Indian Hybrid) | High curcumin content (2–3%), good for processing and medicinal use; vigorous growth. | Requires fertile, well-drained soil and regular fertilization. | 90–120 cm (36–48 inches) |
| CIM-Sudha | Early maturing (7–8 months after planting); good yield with moderate curcumin content. | Only moderately resistant to common diseases like rhizome rot. | 80–100 cm (32–40 inches) |
| Golden Yellow (UPLB Strain) | Large, uniform rhizomes; bred for Philippine conditions; good commercial potential. | Sensitive to overwatering; needs raised beds or loose, loamy soil. | 70–100 cm (28–40 inches) |
🟢 Best for Beginners: Native Turmeric — easy to grow, highly tolerant of Philippine soil and weather.
Propagation (Rhizome Planting)
- Propagation Method: Rhizome division (not by seeds)
- Planting Material: Mature turmeric rhizomes (8–10 months old)
- Preparation Steps:
- Choose healthy, firm rhizomes with 2–3 “eyes” or buds.
- Cut into 2–3 inch pieces.
- Air-dry for 2–3 days in shade to heal cuts.
- Optionally soak in turmeric solution or mild fungicide for 30 minutes before planting.
Germination / Sprouting
- Sprouting Time: 2–4 weeks
- Pre-sprouting (optional):
- Place rhizomes in moist rice hull or cocopeat under shade until buds emerge.
- Ideal Soil pH: 5.5–7.0
- Soil Type:Loose sandy loam or well-draining compost soil
- Why: Prevents waterlogging and allows rhizomes to grow large and clean.
- Planting Depth: 5–7 cm deep
- Spacing: 25–30 cm apart; 40 cm between rows
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hrs/day is ideal)
Transplanting (if pre-sprouted)
- When to Transplant: Once shoots are 2–4 cm tall
- How Deep: Bury rhizome fully with sprouts above soil surface
- Water After Transplanting: Light watering; avoid flooding
- Best Time: Early morning or cloudy afternoon
Growth & Soil Conditions
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade; direct midday heat may scorch leaves
- Watering:
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Water 2–3 times weekly in dry months
- Reduce during rainy season
- Drainage: Very important — raised beds or pots recommended
- Soil: Light, loose, rich in compost or aged manure
- Mulching: Apply dried grass, banana leaves, or rice hull to maintain moisture
- Temperature Range: 24–32°C optimal
- Air Circulation: Ensure good spacing for humidity control
Fertilizer Needs
| Growth Stage | Fertilizer Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|
| Early Stage (0–2 months) | Compost tea or vermicast tea | Every 2 weeks | Root and shoot development |
| Vegetative Stage (2–5 months) | Nitrogen-rich (e.g., fish amino acid or 14-14-14) | Monthly | Promote leaf and rhizome initiation |
| Rhizome Formation (5–8 months) | High potassium & phosphorus (0-10-10, banana peel tea, bone meal) | Every 2–3 weeks | Increase rhizome size & color |
| Maturity (8–10 months) | Stop fertilizing | — | Let rhizomes harden naturally |
🟢 Tip: Organic compost gives turmeric a stronger aroma and richer color compared to synthetic fertilizers.
Pruning & Maintenance
- Remove yellowing or diseased leaves regularly.
- Do not disturb the soil once rhizomes start forming.
- Add mulch every few months to keep soil cool and prevent weeds.
- For container-grown turmeric, top up soil as plant grows (rhizomes expand sideways).
Common Pests & Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Organic Control |
|---|
| Rhizome rot (fungal) | Soft, foul-smelling rhizome | Use raised beds; add sand and compost for drainage |
| Leaf spot (fungal) | Brown circular patches | Neem oil or baking soda spray (1 tsp/L water) |
| Shoot borer | Bored holes in stem | Remove infested stems; neem or chili-garlic spray |
| Nematodes | Stunted growth, poor rhizomes | Rotate crops; interplant with marigold or garlic |
| Ants / termites | Soil disturbance | Use ash or diatomaceous earth around base |
🟢 Companion Plants: Ginger, lemongrass, chili, marigold (pest deterrent).
🔴 Avoid Near: Onions, garlic (compete for nutrients).
Flowering & Maturity
- Flowering: Rare in backyard conditions; appears only if left unharvested (>1 year).
- Rhizome Maturity:
- Young turmeric (for fresh use): 6–7 months
- Mature turmeric (for drying or powder): 8–10 months
- Sign of Maturity: Leaves and stems start drying and turning yellow-brown.
- Harvesting Method:
- Loosen soil carefully using spade or hands.
- Lift clumps gently to avoid breaking rhizomes.
- Wash and air-dry for 2–3 days before storing or processing.
Growth Conditions & Lifespan
- Lifespan: Perennial (can regrow from leftover rhizomes)
- Best Practice: Replant a few rhizomes each year for continuous harvest.
- Root Condition: Must stay moist but never waterlogged.
- Soil Preference: Sandy loam or compost-rich raised bed.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity; shade helps reduce stress.
Best & Worst Planting Months (Philippine Climate)
| Season | Months | Recommendation |
|---|
| Start of Rainy Season (Habagat) | May – July | ✅ Best for planting — moisture helps sprouting |
| Dry Season (Amihan) | November – March | 🌤️ Good with irrigation or shaded pots |
| Worst Months: | September – October | ⚠️ Too wet; high chance of rhizome rot |
Additional Tips
- Raised Beds / Drums: Ensure at least 25–30 cm soil depth.
- Harvest Rotation: Plant every 2–3 months in batches for continuous supply.
- Storage: Keep harvested rhizomes dry and cool (not under sunlight).
- Processing: Boil for 45 minutes, slice, and sun-dry for 7–10 days to make powder.
- Propagation Tip: Leave a few rhizomes in soil after harvest for regrowth next season.
- Container Growing: Use pots 12–16 inches deep; 3–4 rhizome pieces per pot.