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How to Grow Colocasia Dasheen

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Colocasia Dasheen

Colocasia esculenta var. dasheen

vegetable

Colocasia Dasheen is a tropical root vegetable prized for its starchy corms and edible leaves, also known as taro. It features large, arrow-shaped leaves with prominent veining and produces underground corms that are a staple carbohydrate source in many cuisines. The plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and can reach 3-5 feet in height.

Looking for a specific variety?

Dasheen Eddoe Malanga Elephant Ear Violet Japanese

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Example Colocasia Dasheen timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Colocasia Dasheen

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Colocasia Dasheen

    Around Oct 14

    ≈ 180 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Colocasia Dasheen dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to full sun, 4-6 hours of sunlight daily; tolerates shade better than many tropical crops
💧
Water: Consistently moist soil; requires 60-80 inches of water annually; keep soil boggy during growing season; reduce watering during dormancy
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: 180-240 days
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Planting depth: 1-2 inches for cormels; plant at same depth as pot for transplants

Soil

Type: Rich, moist, well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Aged manure Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10-12; can be grown in zones 8-9 with protection or as annual; grown in containers in cooler zones

10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy/Preparation

2-4 weeks before planting

Seed corms are stored or sprouting; minimal visible growth as corm develops initial roots and shoots

Store corms in cool (50-60°F), humid environment until ready to plant; inspect for rot; soak corms 24 hours before planting to hydrate

2

Establishment/Sprouting

3-4 weeks

Shoots emerge from corm; first leaves appear above soil; root system developing underground

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; maintain warmth (75-85°F); provide bright, indirect light; mulch to retain moisture

3

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Rapid leaf development; plant grows 12-36 inches tall; large arrow-shaped leaves unfurl; underground corm begins enlarging

Water generously and maintain high humidity; apply balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks; mulch heavily; stake if needed in windy conditions

4

Maturation/Corm Development

6-8 weeks

Leaves reach full size; flowering may occur (insignificant inflorescences); primary corm and secondary cormels enlarge significantly

Continue consistent watering; reduce nitrogen, increase potassium to support corm development; remove flower spathes to redirect energy to corms

5

Harvest Readiness

Varies by climate; 2-4 weeks before first frost

Plant foliage may yellow or die back (in seasonal climates); corms have reached desired size; cormels are well-developed around primary corm

Reduce watering gradually in autumn; allow foliage to senesce naturally; monitor soil temperature; harvest when soil cools to 60°F or lower

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Taro Yam Banana Plantain Sweet potato Ginger Basil Marigold

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut Fennel Highly competitive deep-rooted perennials

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick larvae; use neem oil spray; encourage natural predators; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for severe infestations

  • Remove affected leaves; use insecticidal soap; apply spinosad; maintain plant vigor with proper fertilization

  • Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use sulfur or neem oil; ensure adequate air circulation

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves

  • Remove infected leaves promptly; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper or sulfur fungicide if severe

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; plant disease-free corms; remove rotted corms immediately; apply fungicide to soil if needed

Uses

🍳

Staple carbohydrate vegetable

Culinary

The starchy corms are boiled, baked, fried, or mashed as a nutritious carbohydrate-rich staple food in tropical cuisines worldwide. The corms can be prepared similarly to potatoes and contain resistant starch beneficial for digestive health. [source]

🍳

Nutritious edible leaves (callaloo)

Culinary

The large leaves are edible when cooked and rich in vitamins A, C, iron, and calcium. Young leaves are harvested and cooked as greens in Caribbean, African, and Asian cuisines. [source]

💊

Traditional immune and digestive support

Medicinal

Used in traditional medicine to support digestive health and boost immune function due to its polysaccharide and nutrient content. The corms contain compounds that may support beneficial gut bacteria. [source]

🏠

Culinary starch and flour

Household

Dried and ground corms are used to produce taro flour and starch for baking and cooking applications. The starch is used in traditional puddings, beverages, and as a gluten-free flour alternative. [source]

🦋

Habitat and food for aquatic ecosystems

Wildlife

When grown in wetland or pond settings, Colocasia provides shelter and food sources for aquatic animals and beneficial insects. The plant helps stabilize wetland ecosystems and improve water quality. [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 plant reaches 6-12 months old and corms are 2-4 inches in diameter (or when foliage yellows in cool climates). Carefully dig around the plant to expose corms without damaging them. Harvest the primary corm and surrounding cormels. Leave small cormels in soil for regrowth if desired. In tropical regions, harvest year-round; in cooler zones, harvest before first frost. Cure corms in warm (75-80°F), humid place for 1-2 weeks before storage. Store in cool, dry location with high humidity and good air circulation.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Colocasia Dasheen has been cultivated for over 9,000 years, making it one of the oldest cultivated plants; it originated in Southeast Asia and gradually spread throughout the world via trade routes.
  • 🌱 The plant's leaves naturally repel water due to their waxy coating and specialized surface structure, creating a self-cleaning effect similar to the lotus leaf phenomenon studied in biomimicry.
  • 🌱 A single mature Colocasia plant can produce up to 20 pounds of edible corms and cormels in a single season under optimal growing conditions, making it an extremely productive food crop.

Gardening Terms

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

Annual Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade
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