Description
Black Turmeric, Kali Haldi – Plant
Curcuma caesia, black turmeric or black zedoary is a perennial herb with bluish-black rhizome, native to North-East and Central India.The rhizome of black turmeric has a high economic importance owing to its putative medicinal properties. In west Bengal, the rhizome of the plant is used in Kali Puja, and hence the plant is called Kali haldi. The leaves have a deep violet-red patch which runs through the length of the lamina. Turmeric plant takes 8 to 10 months to mature. The flower is so attractive that it is worth growing for this alone.Plant Specifications
Plant Height
18 inch (46 cm)
Plant Spread
7 inch (18 cm)
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Common Name
Kali haldi, Krishna kedar, Black Turmeric
Maximum Reachable Height
1.5 to 3 feet
Flower Colour
White
Bloom Time
July to September
Difficulty Level
Easy to grow
Planting and careChoose a large pot as this herb can easily exceed the height and spread.Place it about 2 inches (5 cm) below the soil surface, with the buds facing up.Water the pot thoroughly, avoid overwatering.The crop is to be mulched immediately after planting with green leaves at the rate of 12-15 tonnes per hectare.It may be repeated for a second time after 50 days with the same quantity of green leaves after weeding and application of fertilizers.Pruning is not necessary, taking dried leaves off will be sufficient.Black Turmeric Plant care
Curcuma Caesia usually grows in moist deciduous forests.The best season to plant turmeric is spring or summer.It requires warm and humid climate to thrive.keep the turmeric plant in partial sun in the warmer zones.
Sunlight
Turmeric prefers warm direct or indirect sun.
Watering
Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season from spring to fall.
Soil
Rich organic soil that is moist and well-drained. It is grown on different types of soils from light black, ashy loam and red soils clay loam. However, it thrives the best in a well-drained sandy or clay loam.
Temperature
20 to 35 degrees C
Fertilizer
Feeding with a liquid fertilizer in growing season is ideal.
Harvest Season
The rhizome should be harvested in 9 to 10 months after planting.
Black Turmeric Plant special feature
Foliage & Rhizome
Black Turmeric Plant uses
Ornamental Use:
The plant is used for an ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
The rhizome of the plant is aromatic, contains essential oil and used for a variety of purposes
The characteristic pungent smell of the rhizome is due to the presence of essential oil rich in camphor and starch
The rhizome is traditionally used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, leprosy, asthma, cancer, fever, wounds, vomiting, menstrual disorder, anthelmentic, aphrodisiac, gonorrheal discharges and inflammation
Furthermore, the smooth muscle relaxant, anti-tumour and anti-oxidant properties of Curcuma Caesia rhizome extract had been reported
Note: Please consult your health expert before consuming
Culinary Use:
Used in Chinese recipes
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