Curcuma, which usually grows in tropical origins, it doesn’t like to be in the sun all day. A filtered morning or after sun would be best for it and like most plants, the summer sun can be deadly. The plants that are in the curcuma longa species is used solely for harvest of spice turmeric. The rhizomes will be grounded to a dried power that is turmeric. Not only is it considered to be one of the most tropical oriental plants, but the foliage when it is not in bloom comes with a tropical appeal. Curcuma can be grown from rhizomes or it could be purchased as potted plants.
In the full sun, especially during hot climates, it is really helpful that you keep curcuma moist. When the soil usually dries much, you should grow curcuma in a partial shade. Such summer-blooming flower can hold up to dry conditions well if this is grown in the shade.
Curcuma actually prefers moist as well as well-drained soil which has lots of organic matter like compost in it. When the soil has clay content or high snad, consider adding organic matter prior to planting it in order to get the best from the plant. Water the curcuma regularly when the area won’t get much of the natural rain and is able to thrive well with an inch of moisture every week.
Curcumas also are hardy perennial from spring to fall. Curcumas sold in the box stores are mostly the dwarf varieties, meaning that it stays low. Large full-sized curcumas are larger sometimes which can grow to about 3 feet with large flower and shower foliage. The dwarf and regular sized curcumas dies back to the ground during fall and will reappear next spring.
Avoid digging it up in the late fall and plant them in ground covers to avoid problems when it die back. New foliage in the spring will appear like needles that will protrude from the earth which unfurls to the beautiful tropical foliage.
If this is planted together in mass curcumas, it makes for a spectacular flower show on any garden. Take note that curcumas likes a well-drained soil and lots of sand in the soil is a must for them. Another thing is that curcuma likes organic materials. This needs to be added and that curcuma also makes a great container plant or you could plant the entire container in the ground at a depth of the rim of the pot. If winter comes, you can over the winter when you place curcuma in the garage or perhaps replant this in the garden next spring.
The curcuma foliage and flowers will also give long-lasting sources of cut flowers for the arrangements. Tropical foliage, some light green and red veins in the leaves are great on arrangements.
In recent years, studies actually shows the medicinal benefits of turmeric as well as its anti-cancerous properties.
You should also fertilize curcuma during spring and summer seasons with general-purpose fertilizers. You could follow the directions that are present on the packaging for its application rates.