Turmeric Seed ~ Tennessee Wonder

Turmeric is a specialty crop that commands a premium price at farmers markets and through direct sales with some growers reporting prices as high as $80 per lb! After getting it started, it’s relatively easy to grow. Farmer Michael equates it to an old truck, it might take a bit to get it started, but once running, it will go all day with not much care or work.

This strain of Red Turmeric is grown in Tennessee by the renown Rose Creek Village Farms. Turmeric (like garlic) will regionally adapt. That means that Turmeric grown in a cooler Tennessee environment  will do better further north that Florida or internationally grown product. Ray is a certified organic farmer who focuses on sap testing and growing nutrient dense crops regeneratively.

Key Features:

• Relatively easy to grow: Unlike other strains, this one hits the ground running and can yield several lbs per plant.
• High Curcumin Powerhouse: Boasts superior levels of curcumin – the active compound renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Ideal for daily wellness rituals, from golden lattes to soothing teas.
• Versatile Culinary Star: Harvest your own fresh rhizomes for grinding into a vivid red-orange spice that adds warmth and depth to curries, stir-fries, soups, and marinades. Its subtle bitterness and peppery notes pair perfectly with ginger, garlic, and coconut milk.
• Medicinal Heritage: Rooted in ancient Ayurvedic traditions, red turmeric supports joint health, digestion, and respiratory wellness. Fresh or dried, it's a natural dye for textiles and a gentle remedy for everyday ailments.

We sell in several ways

• Small Quantities (this listing)
• Full Cases (Not available in 2025)
• Pre-started Plants (order here)
  

Growing Guide:

These robust, knobby rhizomes are easy to propagate once they break dormancy and can be successfully grown in northern Vermont (Zone3/4)

Zone 8 and warmer: Plant in spring after the last frost in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost. They prefer partial to full sun, consistent moisture, and warm temperatures (68–86°F). Space 8–12 inches apart, 2–4 inches deep, with the buds facing up. Expect lush green foliage reaching 3–4 feet tall, accented by delicate white flower spikes in summer. Harvest in 8–10 months when leaves yellow – dig up the clustered rhizomes for immediate use or replanting.

Zone 7 And cooler: Best to grow in protected culture, a pot, or a protected south side of a building. See propagation information below.

Propagation Challenges & Cool-Climate Tips:

Red turmeric can be tricky to start, especially from dormant rhizomes, as it requires consistent heat and humidity to break dormancy. Do not expect sprouts for 3–4 weeks (sometimes longer if conditions fluctuate). In USDA Zone 7 and colder, outdoor planting is not recommended until soil temperatures reliably exceed 68°F. For reliable germination:

• Pre-sprout indoors in deep trays or bulb crates filled with moist peat moss or cocoa coir.
• Bury rhizomes 1–2 inches deep, buds up, and maintain 75–78°F using a heat mat.
• Keep medium evenly moist (not soggy) and cover with a clear lid or plastic to retain humidity.
• Once shoots emerge (1–2 inches), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions after danger of frost has passed.
  
  Click here to open our turmeric growing guide. 

Although all the Turmeric seed we offer is grown by farms that are certified organic, we are not allowed to say it is Certified due to the rule 7 CFR § 205.2. The Farm On Central is in the process of becoming a Certified Handler for the 2026 season. All product provided for the 2026 season will be certified.