How to Grow Dasheen Trinidad
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Dasheen Trinidad
Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta
vegetableDasheen Trinidad is a tropical taro cultivar prized for its large, starchy corms (underground tubers) and edible leaves. It's a staple crop in Caribbean and tropical regions, valued for both its nutritious root and leafy greens. The plant features large, heart-shaped leaves on tall petioles and produces substantial yields in warm, moist conditions.
When should you plant Dasheen Trinidad in your zone?
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Example Dasheen Trinidad timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dasheen Trinidad
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 Trinidad
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 9 and warmer with protection
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Planting & Sprouting
2-3 weeksCorms are planted in prepared beds or containers. Shoots emerge within 2-3 weeks in warm conditions (75-85°F).
Ensure soil is warm (minimum 65°F) and consistently moist. Use whole corms or corm pieces with visible eyes. Mulch around planting to retain moisture and maintain temperature.
Early Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksShoots develop and unfurl their first true leaves. Young plants are tender with 3-5 leaves visible.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly. Keep weeds controlled. Provide partial shade if necessary in intense heat.
Vigorous Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksLarge heart-shaped leaves develop rapidly on tall petioles. Plant canopy expands significantly. Secondary cormels may form at the base.
Water deeply and regularly; dasheen needs abundant moisture. Apply monthly fertilizer, shifting to higher potassium formula (5-10-15) to promote corm development. Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Corm Development & Maturation
10-16 weeksMain corm and cormels enlarge underground. Leaf growth continues but slows. Plant reaches mature height (3-5 feet).
Continue regular watering and monthly fertilization. Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive leaf growth. Monitor for pests and diseases. Maintain mulch layer.
Harvest Readiness
Variable; harvest can begin at 6-7 months for fresh use, or continue to 8+ months for maximum yieldCorms reach full size (8-12 inches long, 4-6 inches diameter typical). Leaves may begin to yellow slightly. Overall plant slows growth.
Reduce watering slightly one week before harvest. Prepare harvest area with tarps or containers for easy collection of corms and cormels.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation. Apply copper fungicide or neem oil. Avoid overhead watering. Rotate crops; choose resistant varieties like Trinidad if available.
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No cure; remove and destroy infected plants. Control aphid vectors with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Use virus-free seed corms. Practice crop rotation.
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Increase humidity and mist foliage. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis).
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Remove with strong water spray or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Apply neem oil or horticultural soap every 7 days for 3-4 weeks.
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Create barriers with copper tape. Use beer traps. Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth around plants.
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Avoid infested soil; use clean planting material. Solarize soil before planting. Rotate crops with resistant plants. Incorporate compost to improve soil health.
Uses
Starchy Root Vegetable
CulinaryThe large corms are boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed as a starchy staple similar to potatoes. Trinidad dasheen is preferred in Caribbean cuisine for its mild flavor, tender texture, and high yield. Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals including potassium and manganese. [source]
Leafy Greens (Callaloo)
CulinaryYoung leaves and petioles are cooked as nutritious greens in soups, curries, and stews. Rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Must be cooked to deactivate calcium oxalate crystals. Common in Caribbean and African diaspora cuisine. [source]
Digestive Health & Blood Sugar Management
MedicinalTaro contains resistant starch which may improve blood sugar control and support beneficial gut bacteria. Traditional use in tropical medicine for digestive complaints and inflammation. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that support overall metabolic health. [source]
Food Security & Yield
HouseholdDasheen Trinidad produces exceptional yields in tropical climates—a single plant can yield 4-8 pounds of corms and cormels over the season. One of the most productive root crops for tropical regions, making it valuable for subsistence farming and food security. [source]
Biodiversity & Intercropping
WildlifeThe large leaf canopy provides shade and shelter for ground-dwelling insects and soil organisms that improve soil health. Used in agroforestry systems and intercropping to maximize tropical garden space and reduce pest pressure through polyculture. [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 6-8 months after planting when leaves begin to decline or corms reach desired size. Dig carefully with a spade or fork, working from the outside in to avoid damaging corms. The main corm can be 8-12 inches long. Harvest cormels (small side corms) separately; they regrow for successive harvests over the season. Store corms in cool (55-60°F), humid conditions; they last 2-3 months. Can also harvest young leaves continuously for cooking (wear gloves if sensitive to calcium oxalate crystals).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dasheen Trinidad is named after the Creole word 'dasheen,' and the Trinidad cultivar was developed and refined by Caribbean farmers over centuries, becoming a preferred variety for its size, yield, and culinary quality.
- 🌱 A single dasheen plant can produce 6-10 medium-sized cormels in addition to the main corm, and these cormels can be harvested and replanted to create multiple new plants from one parent.
- 🌱 The plant is so water-loving that it was traditionally grown in swampy or flooded conditions in the Caribbean, and some varieties are grown semi-aquatically in paddies or water gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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