Grow Light for Turmeric Indoors in Pots
A grow light for turmeric indoors helps a potted rhizome leaf out when windows are dim. University of Vermont Extension notes turmeric grows from a rhizome in a pot at least 12 inches wide plus grows well at 68F or warmer. Plant pieces with buds facing up, add a grow light once shoots appear plus harvest after the leaves fade.
The short answer
Turmeric needs warmth first plus light second. University of Vermont Extension advises a warm spot of 70 to 80F until sprouts show, which takes 3 to 8 weeks. Then move the pot to a sunny window plus add a grow light if needed. Harvest after 8 to 10 months, when the foliage yellows plus dries out.
How do you start turmeric from a rhizome?
University of Vermont Extension advises a firm rhizome with several buds, cut into 2 to 3 inch pieces with 2 to 3 buds each. Lay pieces flat with the buds up, cover with about 2 inches of soil plus water sparingly until sprouts appear. Excess moisture may rot the rhizome.
| Step | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pot width | At least 12 inches | University of Vermont Extension |
| Piece length | 2 to 3 inches | University of Vermont Extension |
| Planting depth | About 2 inches | University of Vermont Extension |
| Sprouting temperature | 70 to 80F | University of Vermont Extension |
| Time to sprout | 3 to 8 weeks | University of Vermont Extension |
| Grow light hours | 14 hours | Iowa State University Extension |
Source: University of Vermont Extension plus Iowa State University Extension.
How much light and warmth does turmeric need?
University of Vermont Extension notes turmeric grows well at 68F or warmer plus should not face temperatures below 50F. Once sprouts appear, move the pot near a sunny window plus add a grow light if needed. UGA Extension notes turmeric likes high humidity plus bright shade. Iowa State University Extension advises grow lights 14 hours a day.
When is indoor turmeric ready to harvest?
University of Vermont Extension notes the foliage begins to fade after 8 to 10 months. When the plant has yellowed plus dried out, dig it up, brush off the soil plus cut off the stalk. Set aside a piece or two to replant. UGA Extension notes turmeric is harvested when the leaves die down in fall.
How to: step by step
- Pick a firm rhizome with several buds.
- Cut pieces 2 to 3 inches long with 2 to 3 buds each.
- Lay them flat with buds up plus cover with about 2 inches of mix.
- Hold the pot at 70 to 80F with the mix lightly moist until shoots appear.
- Move the pot under a grow light once leaves emerge.
- Harvest when the leaves yellow plus dry, saving a piece to replant.
Troubleshooting
No shoots after weeks: cool soil. Warm it up.
Rhizome rots: mix too wet. Water less until shoots appear.
Brown leaf edges: dry air. Mist leaves often.
For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis, the cannabis light cycle, grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks seeds for indoor growers.
Sources
- Growing ginger and turmeric indoors, University of Vermont Extension
- Growing ginger and turmeric at home, UGA Extension Fulton County
- Turmeric and ginger, UC ANR, Spill the Beans
- How to set up supplemental lights for indoor plants, Iowa State University Extension
FAQ
How long does turmeric take to sprout?
University of Vermont Extension notes sprouts take 3 to 8 weeks to appear, with ginger likely sprouting sooner plus turmeric later. A warm spot of 70 to 80F helps, plus a seed starting heat mat can warm the soil in a cool room. Move the pot off the mat once sprouts show.
Can grocery store turmeric be planted?
University of Vermont Extension notes rhizomes can often be bought through a mail order nursery or at a grocery store. Choose a firm piece with several buds. Some grocery rhizomes may sprout slowly or not at all, so a nursery rhizome is a more dependable choice when one is available.
How tall does indoor turmeric grow?
University of Vermont Extension notes turmeric grows 3 to 4 feet tall, a little taller than ginger at 2 to 3 feet. Give it a pot at least 12 inches wide plus room under the grow light so you can raise the lamp as the leaves get taller through the season.
Can turmeric go outside in summer?
Yes. University of Vermont Extension notes turmeric benefits from time outside in warm months once it has leafed out. Daytime temperatures should be at least 68F with nights no lower than 50F. Introduce sunlight over several days to avoid burned foliage, then bring the pot back in before nights drop below 50F.
How often should potted turmeric be watered?
Sparingly at first. University of Vermont Extension advises watering sparingly until sprouts appear, since too much moisture may rot the rhizome. After that, water so the soil is moist but never wet, plus mist often if the air is dry. UC ANR notes root rot is a risk when soil is cold plus wet.
