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When to Plant Turmeric in Pacific County, WA

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.

Pacific County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 14 feet, Pacific County receives approximately 47.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Turmeric during the growing season.

Pacific County, WA (Zone 8b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Pacific County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (286 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Dec 20 – Jan 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (286 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jan 2 – Jan 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (299 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jan 23 – Feb 6

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
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 818 gal / 100 sq ft
Turmeric needs ~3,915 GDD — county provides 2,813 GDD May not mature

Turmeric Planting Timeline โ€” Pacific County, WA

Turmeric Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 16
Harvest January 2 Jan 2 โ€“ Jan 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 8b

Growing Season

194 days

Growing Tips for Pacific 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 Pacific County, WA?

Pacific County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Turmeric planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pacific County, WA?

Pacific County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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