I’m always amazed that so many people don’t realize that turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an amazing garden perennial. We’ve had our plants in the garden for nearly 30 years. This week, the flowers of this delightful ginger lily from Southern India emerge, looking like fancy pink pine cones. Curcuma longa is very easy to grow, as long as the soil is reasonably well-drained. Just mark the planting spot, since it usually doesn’t break ground before June. Hardiness is Zone 7b-10.
How deer resistant is it? Alternative to hostas?
Deer resistance should be good. It doesn’t emerge until mid-June, so much later to emerge than hostas.
When to buy and plant? Does it take afternoon sun?
R.York
I wouldn’t recommend afternoon sun….a couple of hours of morning sun should be okay, however.
When to buy plants? What exposure will be best?
Do you have it for sale?
Rosemary York
We usually keep this in stock at Plant Delights. I wouldn’t plant when the ground is frozen, but pretty much any other time is fine. Light shade is best.
This is the ONLY plant that my deer will not eat. They take one bite and spit it out EVERY time. They don’t even chew it!