How to Grow Dasheen Okinawa Pink
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Dasheen Okinawa Pink
Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta 'Okinawa Pink'
vegetableOkinawa Pink is a tropical taro variety prized for its vibrant pink-hued corms and ornamental foliage with pinkish veining. The plant produces large, heart-shaped leaves and edible underground tubers that are starchy and nutritious. It thrives in warm, humid climates and is a staple crop in Pacific Island and Asian cuisines.
When should you plant Dasheen Okinawa Pink in your zone?
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Example Dasheen Okinawa Pink timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dasheen Okinawa Pink
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 Okinawa Pink
Around Nov 3≈ 200 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dasheen Okinawa Pink dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-12, requiring warm tropical or subtropical climates year-round
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Get my Dasheen Okinawa Pink timeline →Growth Stages
Sprouting
4-6 weeksCorm sends up first shoots with emerging petioles; very slow initial growth
Keep soil warm (75-85°F) and consistently moist; provide high humidity; protect from direct sun stress
Vegetative
8-12 weeksHeart-shaped leaves with pink veining emerge and expand; plant develops multiple leaf shoots
Maintain warm temperatures, consistent moisture, and high humidity; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; monitor for pests; mulch around plant base
Establishment
8-10 weeksPlant becomes established with robust foliage; corm begins enlarging underground; secondary cormels may form
Continue regular watering and feeding; ensure good drainage to prevent rot; maintain humidity; thin weaker shoots if overcrowded
Corm Development
8-12 weeksMain corm expands significantly; foliage reaches full size with 2-3 foot tall leaves
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage corm growth; continue adequate watering; maintain warm conditions; avoid disturbing soil around corm
Harvest Ready
Until harvestLeaves may begin to yellow and decline; corm is mature and pink coloring is fully developed
Stop watering gradually; allow soil to dry slightly before harvest; corm can remain in ground for extended storage or be lifted
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators; remove heavily infested leaves; maintain adequate spacing for air circulation
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Spray with water to increase humidity (mites dislike wet conditions); use sulfur dust or miticides if severe; improve air circulation
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Remove by hand with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate severely infested plants
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Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil spray; maintain good plant health to reduce susceptibility
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and
Remove by hand at dawn/dusk; use copper barriers; apply organic slug baits; maintain dry foliage area
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Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering frequency; remove affected plant material; apply fungicide if mild; replant in well-draining soil
Uses
Boiled, steamed, or fried corms
CulinaryThe nutty, slightly sweet pink corm can be peeled and cooked like potatoes—boiled, steamed, roasted, or fried. It develops a creamy texture when cooked and is used in traditional Pacific Island and Asian dishes. [source]
Taro leaves (callaloo)
CulinaryYoung leaves can be cooked like spinach or included in soups and stews, particularly in Caribbean and Pacific cuisines. Rich in nutrients and a traditional green vegetable preparation. [source]
Traditional digestive support
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, taro is valued for its digestible carbohydrates and is used to support digestive health and provide sustained energy. Rich in resistant starch and dietary fiber. [source]
Ornamental foliage plant
HouseholdThe striking pink-veined heart-shaped leaves make Dasheen Okinawa Pink an attractive tropical ornamental for gardens, containers, and indoor spaces in warm climates. [source]
Tropical garden ecosystem support
WildlifeThe large foliage provides habitat and shade for beneficial insects and organisms in tropical gardens, supporting biodiversity in warm-climate landscapes. [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 200-240 days after planting when leaves begin to yellow and decline. Carefully dig around the plant to avoid damaging the corm. Lift main corm and secondary cormels. Allow corms to dry for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry place before storage. Pink coloration indicates maturity. Corms store 2-3 months in cool (50-60°F), dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dasheen Okinawa Pink gets its name from the Okinawa region of Japan, where it was traditionally cultivated and prized for its pink corms and ornamental appearance.
- 🌱 Taro is one of the oldest cultivated crops, with evidence of cultivation dating back 10,000+ years in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, making it a staple older than rice in some regions.
- 🌱 The pink color in Okinawa Pink corms is due to anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds found in blueberries and red cabbage, which have antioxidant properties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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