How to Grow Dasheen Eddoe
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Dasheen Eddoe
Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta
vegetableDasheen eddoe is a tropical root vegetable with large, arrow-shaped leaves and edible corms (underground tubers) that are starchy and nutritious. Also called taro or cocoyam, it produces multiple small corms around a central corm and has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is valued for both its edible corms and ornamental foliage.
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Example Dasheen Eddoe timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dasheen Eddoe
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 Dasheen Eddoe
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dasheen Eddoe dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical and subtropical zones 10-11; can be grown in containers in cooler zones
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Get my Dasheen Eddoe timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Planting
1-2 weeks pre-sproutingCorms stored from previous season or purchased; early sprouting underground begins
Select firm, disease-free corms. Keep soil temperature above 65°F (18°C). Plant in spring after last frost.
Emergence & Leaf Development
4-8 weeksShoots emerge from soil, first leaves unfurl; rapid leaf expansion as plant establishes
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Mulch lightly to retain moisture. Provide partial shade in hot climates. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
8-16 weeksPlant develops characteristic large, arrow-shaped leaves; underground corm expansion accelerates
Water generously and consistently. Side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer. Support leaves if needed in windy areas. Monitor for pests.
Corm Enlargement & Maturation
8-12 weeksPrimary corm and satellite corms develop; leaf growth continues but slows; plant reaches full size
Maintain wet soil conditions. Continue fertilizing with potassium-rich fertilizer to support corm development. Hill up soil around base if corms protrude.
Harvest Readiness
Variable; can harvest anytime after 6 monthsCorms mature and starches accumulate; leaves may yellow slightly as plant prepares dormancy
Reduce watering slightly as harvest approaches. Corms are harvestable at 6 months but flavor and yield improve at 10-12 months. Check size by carefully uncovering top of main corm.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe
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Hand-pick beetles and larvae; remove affected leaves; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; use row covers early season
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); maintain plant health with good nutrition
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Rotate crops; solarize soil before planting; use nematode-resistant varieties if available; amend with compost
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil if infestation is severe
Uses
Boiled, fried, or roasted root vegetable
CulinaryThe corms are cooked like potatoes—boiled, mashed, fried as chips, or roasted. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and starchy texture similar to potatoes but with unique nutritional benefits. [source]
Leaf greens (cooked)
CulinaryYoung leaves can be cooked and eaten as a nutritious leafy green, similar to spinach or collards. Must be thoroughly cooked to remove calcium oxalate crystals. [source]
Nutritional and digestive support
MedicinalRich in resistant starch, fiber, and minerals including potassium and manganese. Traditionally used to support digestive health and as a staple carbohydrate for blood sugar management. [source]
Starch extraction and traditional food production
HouseholdCorms can be processed into flour or starch for baking, cooking, and industrial uses. In Pacific and Asian cuisines, taro starch is a fundamental ingredient. [source]
Wildlife and pollinator habitat
WildlifeLarge foliage provides shelter and shade for beneficial insects and small animals. The plant's dense growth supports a diverse microhabitat in tropical gardens. [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 10-12 months after planting for best corm size and starch content, though corms are edible after 6 months. Carefully dig around plant to expose central corm without damaging surrounding cormels. Cut petioles (leaf stems) at ground level and harvest the entire corm cluster. Use a fork to loosen soil, then lift plant and separate cormels. Cure harvested corms in a warm, dry place for 1-2 weeks before storage. Store in cool (50-60°F), humid conditions; well-cured corms can store 4-6 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dasheen eddoe is one of the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of cultivation dating back 12,000+ years in southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea.
- 🌱 The leaves can grow enormous—sometimes exceeding 3 feet long—and their waxy, water-repellent coating causes water droplets to bead and roll off spectacularly.
- 🌱 The plant produces multiple cormels (small corms) around the main corm, allowing farmers to save cormels for replanting and create new plants from a single harvest.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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