How to Plant Blue Turmeric in Glenwood, Hawai‘i (2780 ft) in a Greenhouse

How to Plant Blue Turmeric in Glenwood, Hawai‘i (2780 ft) in a Greenhouse

Growing blue turmeric (also known as Curcuma caesia) at 2,780 feet elevation in Glenwood, Hawai‘i, inside a greenhouse with raised beds is an excellent setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for your location and environment:

1. Choose Your Planting Material

  • Use fresh rhizomes (not dried).
  • Select plump, disease-free pieces with visible buds or “eyes.”

2. Soil Requirements

  • pH: 6.0 to 6.5 (slightly acidic)
  • Texture: Loose, well-drained, rich in organic matter
  • Ideal mix for raised beds:
    • 50% Hawaiian Volcanic Organic topsoil or compost
    • 25% coco coir or peat moss
    • 25% black cinder (for drainage)
    • Add a handful of biochar per square foot if available

3. Planting Method

  • When to plant: Early spring to early summer (now is a good time)
  • Depth: 2–3 inches deep
  • Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
  • Lay the rhizomes horizontally, buds facing up

4. Watering

  • Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
  • Drip irrigation or hand watering with filtered rainwater is ideal.

5. Light Requirements

  • Partial sun to dappled shade
  • Your greenhouse is perfect if it allows filtered light and avoids scorching midday sun
Blue Turmeric Organic Fertilizer

Organic Fertilizers for Blue Turmeric

Apply these throughout the season:

Fertilizer

Use Timing

Application Notes

Composted chicken manure

Pre-plant + mid-season

Rich in NPK; mix into soil before planting

Hawaiian Bokashi

Monthly

Enhances microbial life and breaks down nutrients

Bone Meal

Pre-planting

High phosphorus – promotes rhizome and root development

Fish emulsion (diluted)

Bi-weekly foliar spray

Gentle nitrogen boost during vegetative growth

Banana compost or wood ash (small amounts)

Monthly

Potassium and minerals; improves rhizome development

Crushed volcanic rock (azomite or basalt dust)

1–2x per season

Micronutrients and silica for cell strength


Maintenance Tips

  • Mulch with dried leaves or straw to keep moisture in and weeds out.
  • Watch for fungal issues (high humidity) – HOCl foliar misting can help prevent mold/mildew.
  • Harvest after 8–10 months when leaves yellow and start to die back.

Blue Turmeric Organic Fertilizer Schedule

Growing Duration: ~8–10 months
Planting Time: March–May (best in Hawai‘i)
Location: Greenhouse, raised beds, filtered light

MONTH 0 – Pre-Planting (1–2 Weeks Before Planting)

Amend Raised Bed Soil:

  • Composted Chicken Manure – 1 inch layer mixed in
  • Bone Meal – ½ cup per square foot
  • Hawaiian Bokashi Inoculant – 1 tbsp per square foot (lightly mix into topsoil)
  • Azomite or Crushed Volcanic Rock Dust – ½ cup per square foot

Water well and let the bed sit for 1–2 weeks to allow microbial activity to activate.

MONTH 1–2 (Early Growth – Sprouting to Leaf Growth)

Bi-Weekly (Every 2 weeks):

  • Fish Emulsion Foliar Spray – 1 tbsp per gallon, spray leaves and soil
  • Organic Sustain Granular Fertilizer (2-2-2) – Lightly scratch in ½ cup per plant base
  • Optional: Add 1 tbsp of Bokashi per plant base every 2 weeks

MONTH 3–5 (Vegetative Growth Phase – Lush Leaves)

Monthly:

  • Top Dress with Organic Chicken Pellets – ½ cup per plant
  • Reapply Azomite – ¼ cup per square foot
  • Optional Foliar: HOCl mist weekly to prevent mildew

Bi-Weekly:

  • Continue Fish Emulsion (1 tbsp/gallon)
  • Optional: Add banana peel compost or wood ash around the plant (low dose for potassium)

MONTH 6–8 (Rhizome Bulking Phase)

Monthly:

  • Organic Sustain (2-2-2) – ½ cup per plant
  • Bone Meal or Rock Phosphate – ¼ cup per plant for strong rhizome development

Bi-Weekly:

  • Fish Emulsion OR switch to Seaweed Extract for potassium

MONTH 9–10 (Final Maturation + Harvesting)

Stop fertilizing completely

  • Let the plant naturally yellow and dry back
  • This signals rhizomes are ready for harvest

Optional Boosters

  • Silicon Minerals (in your custom fertilizer) – helps strengthen plant structure
  • Bokashi Tea or Compost Tea – Use monthly as a soil drench to stimulate microbes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I grow blue turmeric at high elevation in Hawai‘i?

A: Yes! Blue turmeric (Curcuma caesia) grows well at elevations like 2,780 feet in Glenwood. Your cooler climate combined with greenhouse protection creates an ideal environment for steady, vibrant growth.

Q2: What’s the best soil pH for blue turmeric?

A: Aim for a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. This helps maximize nutrient uptake and rhizome development.

Q3: What’s the best soil mix for raised beds?

A: A loose, rich, and well-drained mix works best:

Q4: How do I fertilize organically for best results?

A: Use a monthly schedule combining:

  • Composted chicken manure
  • Bone meal (pre-plant and mid-season)
  • Organic Sustain (2-2-2) or similar balanced organic fertilizer
  • Hawaiian Bokashi inoculant
  • Fish emulsion or seaweed extract as bi-weekly foliar spray

Q5: What’s Bokashi Tea and how do I use it?

A: Bokashi Tea is the liquid drained from a Bokashi compost bin. Dilute 1:100 (1 tablespoon per quart) and apply to soil.
Do not spray on leaves — it’s too acidic.

Q6: How do I make Compost Tea for blue turmeric?

A: Mix:

  • 1–2 cups compost
  • 3–4 gallons rainwater or dechlorinated water
  • 1 tbsp unsulfured molasses
    Let it brew with aeration for 24–36 hours. Use it as a foliar spray or soil drench within 6 hours.

Q7: When do I harvest blue turmeric?

A: After 8–10 months, when the leaves begin to yellow and die back naturally. This signals mature, harvest-ready rhizomes.

Q8: How often should I water it?

A: Keep the soil evenly moist — not soggy. Drip irrigation or filtered rainwater works great. Avoid waterlogging, especially in raised beds.

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