Curcuma

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GingerLily
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Curcuma is a genus of about 80 accepted species in the plant family Zingiberaceae that contains such species as turmeric and Siam Tulip. Since assembly of the genus Curcuma by Linnaeus in 1753 about 130 species have been described so far. Some of the species descriptions are without Latin diagnosis or type specimen, therefore the legitimate status of many species is suspicious and remains unclear. An overview about the taxonomical classification along with citation of the most relevant literature of Curcuma species can be found at Wikispecies

My favorite Cucuma are

Ginger Curcuma amada Mango Ginger.

Ginger Curcuma angustifolia

Ginger Curcuma aromatica

Ginger Curcuma longa

Ginger Curcuma zeodaria

Curcuma bulbs should be planted in a well drained planting medium and the soil may be mixed with coarse sand or chipped bark to achieve better good drainage.

Do not be tempted to plant the rhizomes too deep. 1.5cm to 3cm compost on top of the bulbs is sufficientenough.

As Curcuma bulbs usually start developing during April - June in the UK depending on temperature and sunlight available a good time for planting would be March to April.

The larger varieties of Curcumas should be planted 30cm apart to provide sufficient growing space. Growing in pots the pot should be at least 5litre size.

When planting 1 tablespoon of Osmacote can be mixed with the compost. After planting water thoroughly. Then let the soil dry until it is still moist but not wet and keep evenly moist by watering daily.

Feed regularly at least once a month However too much Nitrogen will cause weak stems that tend to flop over and low flower production. The best all round results I have had has been using Maxicrope seaweed extract twice a month as adrench and folia feed. Dont use it when blooming as it will stain the flowers

Added on Jan 20, 2008 by GingerLily