
Mike Malloy
mikemalloy@naplesbutterfly.com
Curcuma, although tropical in origins, (mostly from Southeast Asia, India and Malaysia) does not like to be in the sun all day. A filtered morning or afternoon sun is best. Like most plants in Southwest Florida, the summer sun is deadly. The plants in the curcuma family are often called gingers but are really Zingiber. The Curcuma longa species is solely used for the harvest of the spice turmeric. The rhizomes are ground into a dried powder which is turmeric.
Turmeric is the main spice in curry. It is used

A view from the top. PHOTOS BY MIKE MALLOY
Not only is this one of the most tropical oriental looking flowers I have ever seen, but the foliage when not in bloom has truly a tropical appeal. Curcuma is grown from either rhizomes or can be purchased

Curcuma parvifbra.
Curcumas are a hardy perennial here in south Florida, blooming from spring to fall. The ones sold in stores are usually of the dwarf variety, (Siam tulip) which mean they don’t grow very tall.
The large, full-sized curcumas sometimes grow up to three feet with a larger flower and showier foliage. My Favorite!
Both dwarf and regular size curcumas will die back to the ground in the fall and reappear next spring. Mark the area where they are planted so you don’t dig them up in the late fall. Better yet,

Curcumas offer red stems and beautiful foliage for arrangements.

Dwarf Curcuma in pink.
Curcuma foliage and flowers provide a long-lasting source of cut flowers for your arrangements. The tropical foliage, some light green and some with red veins in the leaves, are also great in arrangements.
KEEP BUTTERFLYING!!!
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