How to Grow Eddo
Wikimedia Commons
Eddo
Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum
vegetableEddo is a tropical root vegetable closely related to taro, grown primarily for its small, starchy corms (underground tubers) rather than the large central corm. It produces large, heart-shaped leaves and is a staple carbohydrate source in African, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines. The corms are rich in fiber and resistant starch.
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Example Eddo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Eddo
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 Eddo
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Eddo 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 with season extension
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Get my Eddo timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Sprouting
2-4 weeksCormels are planted and begin developing shoots; underground root system initiates
Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist. Use disease-free planting material. Monitor for rot in overly wet conditions.
Leaf Development & Expansion
2-3 monthsPlant reaches full height (3-5 feet); numerous large leaves provide significant shade to the planting area
Continue regular watering and fertilization. Remove any yellowing lower leaves. Monitor for pests and diseases. Provide support if exposed to wind.
Corm Bulking/Storage Formation
2-3 monthsUnderground, new small cormels develop around the base of the main corm; foliage may slow growth
Maintain consistent moisture and fertility. Reduce nitrogen, increase potassium and phosphorus to promote corm development. This phase begins around month 6-7.
Maturity & Harvest Readiness
At month 6-8 onwardsCormels reach full size; foliage may begin to yellow and decline; plant reaches 6-8 months of growth
Stop fertilizing 2-3 weeks before harvest. Allow soil to dry slightly if harvest is imminent. Harvest when cormels are firm and starchy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; remove plant debris
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Increase humidity by misting; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray to dislodge mites
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Inspect regularly; remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; apply neem oil; isolate heavily infested plants
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Practice crop rotation; use disease-resistant varieties if available; solarize soil; apply beneficial nematodes
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if severe
Uses
Staple Carbohydrate Source
CulinaryEddo cormels are boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed as a nutritious starch-based staple food. They have a nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked, making them ideal for soups, curries, and side dishes throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. [source]
Leafy Greens
CulinaryThe large eddo leaves are edible when cooked (similar to spinach) and commonly used in Caribbean and West African cooking. They must be cooked to remove calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth. [source]
Digestive & Prebiotic Benefits
MedicinalEddo cormels are high in resistant starch and fiber, which promote gut health, feed beneficial bacteria, and help regulate blood sugar levels. Traditionally used in various cultures to support digestive wellness. [source]
Thickening Agent
HouseholdDried and ground eddo cormels produce a starch flour used as a thickening agent in cooking and as a base for traditional products like puddings and porridges. [source]
Beneficial Habitat Plant
WildlifeThe large foliage provides shelter and shade for beneficial insects, bees, and small wildlife. The plant creates a humid microenvironment in the garden ecosystem. [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 plants are 6-8 months old or when cormels reach 2-4 inches in diameter. Carefully dig around the base of the plant to expose small cormels while leaving the main plant intact for continued production. Use a garden fork to gently lift cormels. Allow harvested cormels to cure in a warm, dry place (75-85°F) for 1-2 weeks before storage. Store in a cool, dry location (50-60°F) with 60-70% humidity; they can keep for several months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Eddo is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, with evidence of cultivation dating back thousands of years in West Africa and tropical Asia.
- 🌱 Unlike the large central taro corm, eddo specifically refers to the small satellite cormels that cluster around the main plant, making it more efficient for market gardeners who can harvest continuously without uprooting the entire plant.
- 🌱 The plant's large leaves can lose up to 1 liter of water per day through transpiration in hot, dry conditions, which is why it thrives in humid, water-rich environments.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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