Tumeric - Madras

Description: Tumeric - Madras

Heirloom named after the town of 'Madras' in India where it was largely traded from.  It was the preferred choice by early English colonists as it had less flavour (yet still with the intense colour) than regular varieties.  The preferred choice when a bright yellow colour is desired eg. pickles.  Perennial & part of the ginger family.  Tuber with thick brown skin & yellow/orange flesh.  Has a cucurmin content of approx. 3.5%.  

Able to be grown in all light-frost & frost-free areas of Australia. Roots reach maturity 9-10 months after planting & may be dug whole or 'bandicooted' as needed.  Best harvested after plant dies down in Late Autumn / Early Winter. To make turmeric powder, simply boil & peel roots, dehydrate & process in blender to form a powder.  High yields.

This variety will go dormant over the colder months and can lose its leaves. 

Origins and Background

Turmeric is a tropical perennial herb, part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), with deep roots in South and Southeast Asia—especially India—where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Beyond its culinary and medicinal uses, it has cultural significance in many traditions. From its native lands, turmeric has spread worldwide and has become valued both for its vibrant golden rhizomes and its health-promoting properties.

Propagation and Growing Tips

• Propagation: Turmeric is grown from sections of its edible rhizome—each piece needs at least one visible bud ("eye").

• Planting: Plant rhizome pieces after the last frost, once the soil has warmed. Bury them about 5 cm deep, spacing each piece around 30 cm apart.

• Climate: Thrives in warm, humid, and frost-free environments; in cooler areas, it can be cultivated in large, moveable containers.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soils rich in organic matter.

• Watering and Care: Keep consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

• Growth Cycle: The plant typically reaches about 1 m in height and takes 8–10 months for the leaves to die back, signaling the rhizomes are ready for harvest.

Uses in a Permaculture System

Turmeric fits beautifully into permaculture designs as a multifunctional understory or groundcover plant. Its broad foliage helps suppress weeds, protect soil from erosion, and retain moisture. Turmeric’s natural antimicrobial properties can enhance soil health, and selectively harvesting rhizomes encourages regrowth and provides ongoing yield—aligning with permaculture’s principle of sustainable harvesting. It partners well in layered systems with taller species like bananas or taro, reinforcing ecosystem resilience.

Culinary Uses

Turmeric is a kitchen essential: the fresh rhizome—or the dried, powdered form—is prized for its vibrant color, warm, earthy flavor, and health benefits. Use it grated into curries, soups, morning “golden milk,” teas, or pickles. It’s a key ingredient in many spice blends, offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties thanks to the compound curcumin.