How to Grow Colocasia
Wikimedia Commons
Colocasia
Colocasia esculenta
vegetableColocasia, commonly known as taro, is a tropical perennial plant prized for its starchy corms (underground tubers) and ornamental foliage. The plant produces large, arrow-shaped leaves on tall petioles and is a staple carbohydrate source in many cuisines worldwide. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
When should you plant Colocasia in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Colocasia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Colocasia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Colocasia
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Colocasia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 6-9 with protection
Sign up free to see if Colocasia grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Colocasia timeline →Growth Stages
Sprouting
2-4 weeksCorm develops initial shoots and roots; small leaflets emerge from the soil surface
Keep soil warm (70-80°F minimum) and consistently moist. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and warmth. Ensure good drainage to prevent rot.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksPlant develops multiple large, arrow-shaped leaves on tall petioles; vigorous foliage expansion occurs
Maintain consistently moist soil and apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Provide support stakes if needed for tall varieties. Remove any lower yellowing leaves. Increase watering in hot weather.
Corm Development
12-16 weeksPlant continues leaf production while underground corm expands and accumulates starch reserves
Maintain nutrient-rich conditions with potassium-focused feeding. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around base to insulate developing corms. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Maturation
4-8 weeksLeaf production slows; corms reach maximum size; foliage may show some yellowing as energy shifts to corm storage
Reduce watering slightly as the season ends. Stop fertilizing 4-6 weeks before harvest. Allow foliage to naturally decline. Watch for pest and disease pressure in warm zones.
Harvest
1-2 weeks (harvest window)Foliage yellows and dies back; corms are ready for digging
Harvest after foliage naturally dies back or at 180+ days from planting. Dig carefully to avoid damaging corms. Dry harvested corms for 2-3 weeks before storage in cool, dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Ensure excellent air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves immediately. Apply copper fungicide if severe. Plant resistant varieties when possible.
-
Spray with water to dislodge mites. Increase humidity to reduce pest pressure. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy.
-
Remove by hand or with soft brush. Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil. Monitor foliage regularly and remove heavily infested leaves.
-
Use yellow sticky traps to monitor populations. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove affected leaves. In severe cases, use targeted insecticides.
-
Avoid waterlogging and ensure drainage. Do not plant in cold, wet conditions. Store harvested corms in cool, dry conditions. Discard rotted corms; do not save for replanting.
Uses
Starchy staple food
CulinaryThe corms are rich in starch and can be boiled, roasted, fried, or made into flour and paste. They serve as a dietary staple in African, Asian, and Pacific Island cuisines, offering a nutritious alternative to potatoes and rice. [source]
Edible leafy greens
CulinaryYoung taro leaves and petioles (stems) are edible when cooked and contain valuable minerals and vitamins. In many cultures, the leaves are prepared as a side dish, similar to spinach or collard greens. [source]
Traditional medicine applications
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems across tropical regions, colocasia is used to address inflammation, digestive issues, and wound healing. The plant contains bioactive compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Tropical landscape and container decoration
OrnamentalThe bold, architectural foliage and variety of cultivars with colored leaves (purple, black, pink) make colocasia a striking ornamental plant for tropical and subtropical gardens. It's popular in water gardens, borders, and large containers. [source]
Habitat and food source
WildlifeLarge colocasia leaves provide shelter for beneficial insects and other small organisms. In tropical regions, it supports local wildlife while serving as a human food resource, promoting biodiversity. [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 when foliage naturally yellows and dies back, typically 6-8 months after planting. Carefully dig around the plant to avoid damaging the corm. The main corm is ready to harvest, and small cormels (baby corms) can be separated and replanted. Cure harvested corms for 2-3 weeks in a warm, well-ventilated space before storing in cool (50-60°F), dry conditions. For continuous harvest of leaves in tropical zones, harvest outer leaves as needed without disturbing the corm.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Colocasia can tolerate flooded conditions better than most plants and is sometimes grown in shallow ponds or paddy fields, making it ideal for wet tropical regions.
- 🌱 The plant's leaves are naturally hydrophobic and water droplets bead up on the surface—a property being studied for self-cleaning coating applications.
- 🌱 Colocasia originated in Southeast Asia (likely the Indo-Malaysian region) over 10,000 years ago and has been cultivated for so long that its exact wild ancestor remains uncertain.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Colocasia planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Colocasia seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Colocasia timeline →