Siam Tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia): Thailand's Long-Lasting Beauty

A Ginger, Not a Tulip

Despite its common name, the Siam tulip is a ginger relative (Curcuma alismatifolia) introduced from Thailand. It produces long, stiff leaves and showy bracts—not true flowers—in pink, rose, or white that last up to four weeks on the plant or eight days as a cut flower.

Growth Cycle

Each 2-foot-tall plant blooms once, but new plants develop continuously, forming fresh flowers every 20–30 days from June through October. This succession creates an extended display.

Planting and Care

• Timing: Plant after soil warms to 60°F.
• Location: Full sun, in pots or ground.
• Depth: Place rhizomes pointed end up, covered with 1 inch of soil.
• Water: Keep consistently moist; flowers appear in 8–12 weeks.

Winter Care

Mild Climates (Sunset zones 14–24): Leave rhizomes in well-drained ground year-round.
Cold Climates: Dig rhizomes after frost, being careful not to damage the fleshy "milk tanks" on root ends. Store cool and dry, dusted with sulfur to prevent rot.

Availability

Rhizomes cost $5 plus shipping from Stokes Tropicals, Box 9868, New Iberia, LA 70562; (800) 624-9706; stokestropicals.com. Pink is the most readily available color.