In April 2021, turmeric rhizomes were planted in a Flemish greenhouse.
In the context of the Interreg Northwest Europe project CurCol, PCG investigates the regional cultivation of the turmeric plant for coloring purposes. On April 21 2021, turmeric rhizomes were planted in a greenhouse in Kruisem, Flanders at the headquarters of PCG (Proefcentrum voor Groenteteelt). After a successful test in 2020, this new trial was set up to optimize the cultivation of turmeric in the Northwest region of Europe.
Part of the rhizomes harvested at the end of 2020, were stored (in different ways) to make it possible to plant them again for the 2021 trial. In March 2021, the rhizomes were cut into pieces containing 2 buds and planted in trays. They were treated as to pregerminate the rhizomes, trying to obtain a faster start of the growth cycle. After germination, the pieces were planted in the greenhouse. During cultivation, samples of the new rhizomes will be send to a project partner to obtain more knowledge about the curcumine content during cultivation. Now the cultivation is monitored and at the end of 2021, results of this trial can be expected.
For more information please contact Ellen Dendauw ellen.dendauw@pcgroenteteelt.be