How to Grow Tanna
Wikimedia Commons
Tanna
Xanthosoma sagittifolium
vegetableTanna, also known as malanga or tannia, is a tropical root vegetable in the Araceae family that produces edible starchy corms and leaves. It features large, arrow-shaped leaves and underground tubers that are staple foods in Caribbean and tropical regions. The plant is highly nutritious and cold-tolerant compared to related tropical crops.
When should you plant Tanna in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Tanna timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tanna
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 Tanna
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tanna dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; can grow in zone 9b with protection; prefers warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates
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Get my Tanna timeline →Growth Stages
Planting & Sprouting
3-4 weeksCorms are planted and begin to develop sprouts; underground root development begins
Keep soil warm (70-85°F) and consistently moist; ensure good drainage to prevent rot; corms can take 2-4 weeks to sprout
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksAbove-ground leaves emerge and expand; arrow-shaped foliage develops; plant establishes root system
Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature; fertilize every 4-6 weeks with balanced fertilizer; remove any weak or diseased leaves
Leaf Development & Canopy Formation
8-12 weeksPlant reaches 2-4 feet in height with multiple large leaves; dense foliage provides shade to underground corms
Continue regular watering and fertilization; thin crowded leaves to improve air circulation; monitor for pests and diseases
Corm Development & Maturation
6-12 weeksUnderground tubers (corms) expand and accumulate starch; plant reaches full size with mature leaf canopy
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase potassium and phosphorus to support corm development; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging
Harvest Readiness
Variable; ready 6-8 months after plantingCorms reach harvestable size (6-12 inches long); foliage begins to yellow slightly; plant signals maturity
Corms can remain in ground for extended harvest period; check corm size by gently excavating soil around base; harvest before first frost in subtropical zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; apply fungicide if severe; avoid overhead watering
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Spray with water to dislodge; increase humidity; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed
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Inspect regularly; remove by hand; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
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Prune affected portions; apply horticultural oil; monitor regularly
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; plant in well-draining soil; use fungicide-treated corms if available
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Use virus-free planting material; control aphid vectors; remove infected plants
Uses
Starchy Tuber Staple
CulinaryTanna corms are boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed as a starchy side dish, similar to potatoes. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked. [source]
Leafy Greens Cooking
CulinaryYoung tanna leaves are nutritious greens that can be cooked like spinach, added to soups and stews, or prepared as a side vegetable in Caribbean cuisine. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Caribbean and tropical medicine, tanna leaves and corms are used to treat various conditions and are valued for their mineral and vitamin content, including potassium and vitamin C. [source]
Food Security & Sustainability
HouseholdTanna is a culturally important staple crop in Caribbean regions, providing reliable nutritious food in tropical climates with relatively low input requirements. [source]
Ornamental Foliage Plant
WildlifeThe large, attractive arrow-shaped leaves make tanna an ornamental addition to tropical gardens, providing lush foliage and visual interest in 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 corms 6-8 months after planting when they reach 6-12 inches in length; gently excavate soil around the plant base to expose corms without damaging them; can be harvested progressively by removing outer corms while leaving inner ones to mature; leaves can be harvested year-round for cooking; best harvested before first frost in subtropical regions; corms store 2-4 weeks in cool, dry conditions
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tanna is cold-hardier than many tropical root crops like taro; it can tolerate occasional frost and is sometimes grown in zone 9b with protection
- 🌱 The plant's large leaves can cause skin irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals, but this is neutralized through cooking, making the corms and properly prepared leaves completely safe to eat
- 🌱 Tanna is sometimes called 'tannia,' 'malanga,' or 'new cocoyam,' and holds significant cultural importance throughout the Caribbean, particularly in traditional island cuisines
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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