Description
Hawaiian Red Turmeric produces deep red/orange thick rhizomes. The hands are evenly shaped and produce large amounts good size fingers. It is a heavy producer. The rhizomes have a sweet taste which does not make products bitter. This variety is favored not only for its productivity but its culinary and medicinal qualities. Higher curcumin content than yellow types. As with many turmerics, flowers are edible, too.
Can be grown in full sun to part shade in a well draining medium with organic matter, it is a heavy feeder and regular fertilization will yield better rhizomes. We recommend growing both ginger and turmeric in pots for ease of harvest and to aid with drainage.
Seed is sown in spring (Feb/Mar) and rhizomes are usually harvested in winter (Dec/Jan/Feb) after the plant enters senescence. As foliage dries and dies back starch is stored in the rhizomes, it is important to allow the plant to undergo this processes for better results. A portion of the harvest is saved to replant, the rest can be used for consumption.
*Note that turmeric takes longer to sprout than ginger, over-watering and cool temperatures can prolong the process even further. Turmerics should sprout in March/April in Central Florida.
