How to Grow Black Magic Colocasia
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Black Magic Colocasia
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
vegetableBlack Magic is a striking tropical elephant ear variety prized for its dramatic deep purple-black foliage and edible corms. The large, arrow-shaped leaves create a bold ornamental statement in gardens while the underground corms are a staple starch crop. This variety combines aesthetic appeal with culinary value, making it popular in both decorative and food gardens.
When should you plant Black Magic Colocasia in your zone?
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Example Black Magic Colocasia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Magic Colocasia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Black Magic Colocasia
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Magic 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 cooler zones or cultivated in containers indoors
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Get my Black Magic Colocasia timeline →Growth Stages
Sprouting
2-4 weeksInitial emergence of shoots from planted corm; first leaf unfurls
Maintain warm soil temperatures (70-85°F). Keep soil consistently moist. Provide indirect light. This stage takes 2-4 weeks
Vegetative/Leaf Development
8-12 weeksRapid leaf expansion; multiple new leaves emerge. Stems thicken and reach 2-4 feet tall. Dark purple-black coloration intensifies
Provide consistent moisture and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer. Increase light gradually. Stake tall plants if needed. Monitor for pests
Mature Foliage
8-12 weeksPlant reaches full size with numerous large leaves. Underground corm begins accumulating starch and developing secondary cormels
Maintain regular watering and humidity. Continue fertilizing monthly with lower nitrogen, higher potassium formula to support corm development. Prune any yellowing outer leaves
Dormancy Preparation
4-8 weeksAs temperatures cool, leaves may yellow and die back. Plant enters rest period. Corms are fully developed and nutrient-rich
Reduce watering frequency. Stop fertilizing. In warm zones, foliage may persist; in cooler zones, expect die-back. Do not harvest yet if foliage still green
Harvest Ready
Variable; harvest 6-8 months after plantingFoliage has fully died back or plant is dormant. Corms are mature, starchy, and ready for harvest
Carefully dig to avoid damaging corms. Separate cormels from parent corm if desired. Store in cool, dry place or replant next season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil; isolate heavily infested plants
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; treat repeatedly
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good ventilation
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Hand-pick beetles and eggs; spray with pyrethrin; remove affected leaves; encourage beneficial predators
Uses
Taro Root Staple Food
CulinaryThe corms are boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed as a nutritious starch staple in Pacific, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked. [source]
Leaf Greens (Callaloo)
CulinaryYoung leaves and petioles are edible when cooked (not raw, as raw leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals). Used in traditional callaloo dishes in Caribbean and African cuisines. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalIn Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, taro root is used to support digestion and provide easily digestible carbohydrates. Some cultures use it as a poultice for skin conditions. [source]
Dramatic Tropical Landscaping
OrnamentalThe striking black-purple foliage creates a bold architectural accent in gardens, containers, and tropical displays. Popular in contemporary landscape design for contrast and drama. [source]
Aquatic Ecosystem Support
WildlifeLarge leaves provide shelter and shade for aquatic organisms when grown near ponds or water features, and the plant contributes to humid microhabitats. [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 has fully died back or after 6-8 months of growth. Carefully dig around the plant to extract the main corm and any secondary cormels. Cure harvested corms in a warm, humid place for 1-2 weeks before storage. Store in cool (50-60°F), dry conditions with good air circulation. Corms keep 2-3 months; replant saved cormels for next season
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Black Magic Colocasia is one of the oldest cultivated plants, domesticated over 7,000 years ago in Southeast Asia and still a dietary staple for over 400 million people worldwide
- 🌱 The dramatic deep purple-black coloration intensifies with sunlight exposure; plants grown in shade will have less vibrant leaf color
- 🌱 Despite its tropical origin, Black Magic can be grown as an annual in cooler climates or cultivated as a containerized houseplant, with corms dug and stored over winter indoors
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