Curcuma are tender perennials and must be kept away from frost. They are best started off indoors or in a warm greenhouse in spring and can be moved outside for summer.

— Plant into pots which comfortably fit the rhizomes between March and May and grow them on in a greenhouse. You can continue to grow them indoors through the season or transplant outside once in growth after May.

— Spread out the rhizomes and plant them around 10-15cm deep with the central rhizome shallower.

— If planting out in the summer, space the plants around 15-20cm apart in borders.

— When planting outdoors, choose a sheltered position in full sun with free-draining soil.

— If planting in patio containers, use a free-draining compost such as multipurpose.

— Water-in after planting and continue to water regularly when in growth.

— Allow the soil to become almost dry before watering again while the bulbs are still dormant.