🌿 Taro: Growing Guide
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) grows best in partial shade with plenty of water, and does well at 10–38 °C (50–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 100 cm (39 in) apart. Expect 180+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Colocasia esculenta |
|---|---|
| Category | Exotic Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | High |
| Plant spacing | 100 cm (39 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 10–38 °C (50–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 180+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 60–150 cm (24–59 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Plant out | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Oct–Feb · Harvest: Mar–Sep.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Growing tips
A Cypriot tradition! Cyprus colocasia (kolokasi). The corm is boiled. Elephant ear.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Taro: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Oct–Feb · Harvest: Mar–Sep.
Taro: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Taro: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 100 cm (39 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Taro: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 180+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Taro: which plants grow well with it?
Ginger.
Taro: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Spider mite.
Plan your garden
Add Taro to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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