How to Grow Black Magic Taro
Wikimedia Commons
Black Magic Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
vegetableBlack Magic Taro is a striking tropical foliage plant prized for its deep purple-black arrow-shaped leaves and edible corms. It combines ornamental beauty with culinary value, producing a dramatic accent in gardens while yielding nutritious underground tubers. This cultivar is more decorative than many taro varieties, making it popular for both vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings.
When should you plant Black Magic Taro 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 Black Magic Taro timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Black Magic Taro
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Black Magic Taro
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Magic Taro dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-12; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones or in containers moved indoors
Sign up free to see if Black Magic Taro grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Black Magic Taro timeline →Growth Stages
Sprouting
2-4 weeksInitial emergence of shoots from planted corms. Small leaflets unfold within 2-3 weeks of planting.
Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist. Ensure good drainage to prevent corm rot. Provide bottom heat if in cooler regions.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 monthsRapid expansion of arrow-shaped leaves with deep purple-black coloration developing. Plant establishes strong petioles and expands foliage canopy. Leaves can reach 12-24 inches long.
Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer or high-nitrogen formula to promote leaf growth. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Remove any diseased leaves promptly. Provide support for heavy foliage in windy conditions.
Mature Foliage
2-3 monthsPlant reaches full size with dense dark purple-black foliage creating dramatic ornamental effect. Some flowering may occur (inflorescences are typically inconspicuous and often removed).
Continue regular watering and monthly feeding. Maintain humidity levels above 50%. Monitor for pests and diseases. Remove flower spathes if focusing on corm production rather than ornamental appeal.
Corm Development
2-3 monthsUnderground rhizomes and cormels enlarge as plant reaches maturity. Parent corm expands while daughter cormels develop around the main corm (similar to potatoes).
Continue consistent watering and feeding through early autumn. Begin to reduce moisture in late fall as dormancy approaches. Avoid excessive nitrogen late in season, which encourages foliage over corm development.
Harvest & Dormancy
Variable; dormancy 3-5 monthsLeaves yellow and die back as plant enters dormancy. Corms are ready for harvest once foliage has died back completely. Corms enter dormancy through winter months.
Harvest carefully to avoid bruising corms. Allow dug corms to air-dry for 1-2 weeks before storage. Store in cool (50-65°F), dry conditions with good air circulation. Replant in spring after last frost date.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Apply copper fungicide at first signs. Ensure excellent air circulation. Remove infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Plant resistant varieties when possible.
-
Control aphid vectors with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove and destroy infected plants. Choose virus-free planting material.
-
Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use miticide or neem oil if severe. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
-
Inspect new plants before introduction. Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Treat every 7-10 days until eliminated.
-
Prune heavily infested leaves. Apply horticultural oil spray. Increase humidity and improve air circulation to prevent infestations.
-
Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency. Use well-draining soil mix. Apply fungicides preventatively. Remove and discard severely affected corms.
Uses
Starchy Staple Carbohydrate
CulinaryThe corms are a major staple carbohydrate in tropical and subtropical cuisines, with a starchy texture similar to potatoes when cooked. They can be boiled, roasted, fried, or added to soups and curries, providing easily digestible carbohydrates and important micronutrients. [source]
Leafy Greens
CulinaryYoung leaves can be harvested and cooked like spinach or other greens, though mature leaves may have calcium oxalate crystals requiring proper cooking. Leaves provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber similar to other leafy vegetables. [source]
Dramatic Foliage Accent
OrnamentalThe deep purple-black arrow-shaped leaves provide striking visual contrast in tropical gardens, containers, and as interior patio plants. The cultivar is specifically bred for its ornamental foliage, making it valuable in landscape design. [source]
Traditional Wellness Applications
MedicinalTaro corms have been used in traditional medicine systems across Asia and the Pacific for digestive health and nutritional support. Modern research suggests potential benefits from fiber content and resistant starch, though traditional uses require proper preparation. [source]
Humidifying Indoor Plant
HouseholdThe plant's large leaves release significant moisture through transpiration, naturally improving indoor humidity levels. This makes it valuable as a houseplant in dry climates while also providing air circulation benefits. [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 corms after foliage has completely died back, typically 7-8 months after planting. Gently dig around the plant and carefully lift the parent corm and attached cormels. Brush off excess soil gently—do not wash, which promotes rot. Allow freshly harvested corms to cure in a warm (75-85°F), dry location with air circulation for 1-2 weeks to harden the skin. For year-round harvest in tropical regions, some cormels can be left in ground to produce the next generation. Store mature corms at 50-65°F with 60-70% humidity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The deep purple-black coloration in 'Black Magic' comes from high anthocyanin content, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and blackberries.
- 🌱 Taro is one of the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of cultivation dating back over 2,000 years in Asia and the Pacific Islands, predating potatoes and rice in some regions.
- 🌱 Black Magic Taro is sterile or near-sterile in most climates, meaning it reproduces only through cormels, never from seed—making it a clonal cultivar and ensuring consistent dark foliage in every plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Black Magic Taro planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Black Magic Taro 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 Black Magic Taro timeline →