How to Grow Cocoyam Tainung No. 4

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Cocoyam Tainung No. 4

Colocasia esculenta 'Tainung No. 4'

vegetable

Cocoyam Tainung No. 4 is a high-yielding cultivar of taro developed in Taiwan, prized for its large, starchy corms and edible leaves. This tropical root crop produces substantial underground tubers with cream-colored flesh and is well-adapted to warm, humid climates. It is a staple food in many tropical regions and valued for both its nutritious corms and calcium-rich foliage.

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Example Cocoyam Tainung No. 4 timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Cocoyam Tainung No. 4
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Cocoyam Tainung No. 4
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cocoyam Tainung No. 4 dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though tolerates afternoon shade in very hot climates

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Water: Consistently moist soil; requires 50-80 inches of rainfall annually or equivalent irrigation. Water deeply and regularly, especially during establishment and corm development. Tolerates temporary waterlogging better than drought.

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Spacing: 30-36 inches apart in rows 36-40 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 240-300 days (8-10 months) for full corm development

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Planting depth: Plant cormels 1-2 inches deep; mother corms can be planted whole or in 2-4 ounce pieces with at least one growing eye, 2-3 inches deep

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter; tolerates wet soils better than most root crops

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure (3-4 inches worked in) Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention Balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5 or 10-10-10)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown in zone 9b with season extension

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Sprouting

2-3 weeks

Initial emergence of shoots from cormels or corm pieces; small white sprouts break through soil surface

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Maintain warm soil temperatures (75-85°F). Apply mulch to regulate moisture and temperature.

Vegetative/Establishment

3-4 months

Rapid growth of leaf stems and leaves; plant develops 4-8 large arrow-shaped leaves; above-ground portion expands significantly

Ensure consistent moisture and fertility. Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Mulch heavily to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture. Remove competing weeds regularly.

Corm Development

3-4 months

Underground corms begin expanding; above-ground foliage continues to mature and leaf canopy becomes dense; plant reaches full height (24-36 inches)

Reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to avoid excessive leaf growth at expense of corms. Increase potassium and phosphorus. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Continue weeding.

Corm Maturation

2-3 months

Corms reach maximum size and starch content accumulates; leaves may show early senescence signals; plant slows new leaf production

Maintain moisture levels but do not overwater. Reduce fertilization. Begin monitoring for pest activity. Stop fertilizing 4-6 weeks before harvest.

Harvest Ready

At 8-10 months from planting

Corms are fully mature with firm texture and high starch content; foliage begins to decline; plant is dormant or semi-dormant

Reduce watering as plants approach dormancy. Harvest carefully to avoid damaging corms. Handle corms gently to prevent bruising and rot.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Comfrey Lettuce Spinach Green beans Maize/corn Pigeon pea Melons

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage family crops Fennel Black walnut trees

Common Pests

Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters; use neem oil spray; encourage natural predators; reflective mulches; remove infested leaves
Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; yellow sticky traps; eliminate infested plants; practice crop rotation
Solarize soil before planting; use nematode-resistant varieties if available; practice 3-year crop rotation; add beneficial organisms like Bacillus firmus
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove affected leaves; maintain plant vigor through proper fertilization; destroy severely infected plants
Increase humidity by misting; spray with water; use miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation; neem oil applications

Uses

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Staple Starch & Root Vegetable

Culinary

Cocoyam corms are boiled, roasted, fried, or pounded into fufu; the flesh is starchy and nutritious. Tainung No. 4 is valued for high yield and good cooking qualities, producing fluffy, digestible starch suitable for porridges, chips, and flour. [source]

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Leafy Green Vegetable

Culinary

Young leaves and stems (called calaloo in Caribbean cuisines) are cooked as greens, similar to spinach. They are rich in minerals and provide a nutritious secondary harvest from the same plant. [source]

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Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

In tropical folk medicine, cocoyam leaves and roots are used to treat digestive issues, boost immunity, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The plant is rich in minerals including iron and calcium (when properly prepared to reduce oxalates). [source]

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Gluten-Free Flour & Nutrition

Household

Dried and ground cocoyam corms produce gluten-free flour used in baking and thickening, suitable for those with celiac disease. The flour is also easier to digest than many grain flours. [source]

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Livestock Feed

Wildlife

Cocoyam corms and foliage are used as nutritious animal feed for pigs, goats, and chickens in tropical farming systems. The Tainung No. 4's high yield makes it economical for feed production. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest Tainung No. 4 corms after 240-300 days (8-10 months) when foliage begins to decline or in response to plant dormancy cues. Dig carefully around plants to avoid damaging corms. Use a garden fork to loosen soil, then hand-harvest corms by gently pulling them from the soil. The entire plant can be dug, or you can selectively harvest larger corms while leaving smaller cormels to continue growing. Store corms in cool (55-65°F), humid (80-85% humidity) conditions with good ventilation; they can last 2-6 months. Young leaves can be harvested earlier for cooking. Always wear gloves when handling raw corms and leaves, as calcium oxalate crystals can irritate skin.

Fun Facts

🌱 Tainung No. 4 was specifically bred at Taiwan's Tainung Agricultural Research and Extension Station to optimize yield and corm size, making it one of the most commercially productive cocoyam cultivars in Asia.
🌱 Cocoyam is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, with archaeological evidence suggesting cultivation in Southeast Asia dating back over 10,000 years.
🌱 The raw corms contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, but proper cooking (boiling, roasting, or steaming) breaks down these compounds, making them completely safe and highly nutritious.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH

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