Curcuma Bulb Description
Curcuma Bulb Inflorescences, stems, and leaves of this plant resemble the flowers, stems, and leaves of tulips, hence the common name. The true flowers are seen only if they curl around the bracts edges. Each inflorescence appears atop a rigid, reed-like stem that grows to 2 inches tall from a clump of narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves.
Common name | Flower colours | Bloom time | Height | Difficulty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Siam tulip, summer tulip | White | June to August | Up to 2 feet | Medium difficult to grow |
Planting and care
Plant rhizomes in spring after last frost date in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plant rhizomes outdoors in spring. Plants may also be grown in containers that should be overwintered indoors in the pots in a cool dry location with minimal moisture.
Sunlight | Soil | Water | Temperature | Fertilizer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Full sun to part shade | Moist, well-drained soil that has a lot of organic matter | Medium | 15 to 22 degrees C | Fertilize Curcuma during spring and summer with any general-purpose fertilizer. |
Caring for Curcuma
- Provide regular moisture throughout the growing season and do not allow soils to dry out.
- If your soil tends to dry out much, it’s best to grow Curcuma in partial shade.
- Prepare your planting site, which should be in full sun. Till in a several inches of organic matter, such as peat moss or course sand, to the 12 inches of your planting site to make your soil better suited for drainage.
Plant curcumas about one per square foot and bury the bulbs only an inch from the surface of the soil. The eye–or bud–should be facing up.
Push down on the soil with your hands to remove any possible air pockets. Water the bulbs and after the water seeps into the soil, push down the soil again.
Fertilize curcuma bulbs after planting. Use about one tablespoon of fertilizer labeled 15-15-15 (or 16-16-16 for large curcuma) and a bit less for small varieties
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