Spices
Spice crops sound exotic, but ginger, turmeric and galangal are rhizomes that thrive in a warm, humid Australian garden, and saffron is a cool-climate corm that rewards patience with a tiny, precious harvest. These 4 guides cover realistic home-scale methods, including which climates each one suits.
Galangal
Alpinia galanga · Ginger family
Ginger
Zingiber officinale · Ginger family
Saffron
Crocus sativus · Iris family
Turmeric
Curcuma longa · Ginger family
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow ginger and turmeric outside the tropics?
Yes, in a warm, frost-free spot. Ginger and turmeric need about eight to ten months of warm weather, so they suit the subtropics best. In cooler zones, grow them in pots under cover and bring them in from frost.
Is growing saffron worth it?
It is a hobby crop rather than a money-saver for most households. A square metre of corms produces only a gram or so of dried saffron, but a gram is worth far more than the same weight of any other spice, and the flowers are beautiful.