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When to Plant Turmeric in Wahkiakum 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.

Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 180 feet, Wahkiakum County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Turmeric during the growing season.

Wahkiakum County, WA (Zone 8a) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
205 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Wahkiakum County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Dec 17 – Dec 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (297 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Dec 28 – Jan 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (309 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jan 14 – Jan 28

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,417 gal / 100 sq ft
Turmeric needs ~3,712 GDD — county provides 2,818 GDD May not mature

Turmeric Planting Timeline โ€” Wahkiakum County, WA

Turmeric Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 โ€“ Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 11
Harvest December 28 Dec 28 โ€“ Jan 11

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
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

205 days

Growing Tips for Wahkiakum 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 Wahkiakum County, WA?

Wahkiakum County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Turmeric planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wahkiakum County, WA?

Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is November 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wahkiakum 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 Wahkiakum County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.