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When to Plant Turmeric in Worth County, GA

Turmeric is a tropical plant producing bright orange rhizomes with a warm, earthy flavor and potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is closely related to ginger.

Worth County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 190 feet, Worth County receives approximately 58.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Turmeric may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Turmeric, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turmeric root diseases.

Worth County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Worth County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Jan 10 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: Nov 14 – Nov 28
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: Nov 21 – Dec 5
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Dec 10 – Dec 24

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 206 gal / 100 sq ft
Turmeric needs ~6,142 GDD — county provides 5,824 GDD Tight fit

Turmeric Planting Timeline โ€” Worth County, GA

Turmeric Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 โ€“ Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Apr 4
Harvest November 21 Nov 21 โ€“ Dec 5

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November Harvest
December Harvest

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

240โ€“300 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for Worth County

Plant rhizome pieces 2 inches deep in rich, moist soil after last frost. Maintain warmth and humidity. Harvest after foliage dies back in fall. In cold climates, grow in large containers.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Turmeric in Worth County, GA?

Worth County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Turmeric planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Worth County, GA?

Worth County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Worth County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Worth County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.