Q. I am from Islamabad and a regular reader of your column. I want to know if I can plant turmeric in large pots during this rainy season. If not, when would be the best time to plant it? Also, what care do turmeric plants need while growing?

A. Turmeric, locally known as haldi, needs warm conditions to grow and generally takes seven to 10 months to mature. For home gardening, it is best grown from healthy rhizomes — the underground, ginger-like stems from which new plants develop. Starting from rhizomes is the easiest and most practical method, as turmeric is rarely grown from seed.

In Islamabad, the best time to plant turmeric is during spring, preferably from late March to May. However, you may still plant it during the current warm and humid monsoon season. Since August planting is later than ideal, the turmeric will have less time to develop its rhizomes before winter temperatures arrive.

The rainy season itself is not a problem, provided the potting medium drains well. Turmeric likes consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogging, so use a large pot with adequate drainage holes and never allow the potting medium to become waterlogged. As temperatures fall and growth slows, reduce watering and protect the plant from cold temperatures and frost. If possible, move the pot to a sheltered, warmer location during winter. An August planting may therefore mature more slowly than one started in spring.

All your gardening queries answered here…

Q. My potted cycad plants seem to have developed some kind of illness. Instead of unfurling straight, the new fronds emerge curled, with jagged, uneven and dry edges. Please advise.

A. Based on the photograph that you have shared, it does not appear that the plant is suffering from an infectious disease. Check the young, developing fronds for insects or other pests. Insect damage is usually easier to detect during the early stages of frond growth, although it does not appear to be the problem in your case.

The symptoms may be related to a micronutrient deficiency or the plant’s inability to absorb nutrients properly. Use a balanced fertiliser formulated for cycads or palms that contains manganese and other micronutrients. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package regarding the amount and frequency of application.

Also, ensure that the soil is not too compact, as compacted soil can restrict root growth and affect the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. The soil in your photograph appears to be quite compact. Gently loosen the top layer without disturbing the roots, and make sure the pot has adequate drainage so that excess water does not collect around the roots.

The fronds that have already emerged with distorted or damaged edges will not return to their normal shape. Once they have turned completely brown, you may remove them. With improved nutrition, better soil conditions and proper drainage, the new fronds should emerge in better condition.

Q. Termites have severely damaged my mango tree, particularly parts of its trunk. Kindly suggest some remedy.

A. In this case, it is important to first determine the extent of the termite damage before deciding on a remedy. If a large portion of the trunk has become hollow or structurally weak, the tree may pose a safety risk. A severely weakened trunk may succumb under the weight of the canopy or fruit, particularly during the fruiting season or in strong winds.

Inspect the trunk and its base for raised mud tubes, holes and areas that produce a hollow sound when tapped. Carefully remove soil and debris from around the trunk to check the affected area. Do not aggressively cut or excavate the trunk, as this may weaken the tree further.

If the infestation is active, treat the surrounding soil and affected area with a suitable termite-control product available from a reputable garden or agricultural supply store, following the instructions carefully. Do not pour insecticide directly into holes in the trunk or fill cavities with cement.

Q. I really like this flowering plant at my office in Karachi. Can I grow it at home with seeds or cuttings?

A. The plant in your photograph is pentas. Take a healthy, non-flowering stem cutting from the plant and remove the leaves from the lower portion. Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with moist, well-draining growing medium and keep it in bright, indirect light until it develops roots.

Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening

Published in Dawn, EOS, August 30th, 2026