How to Grow Taro
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Taro
Colocasia esculenta
vegetableTaro is a tropical perennial plant grown for its starchy, edible corms (underground stems) and leaves. It features large, arrow-shaped leaves and thrives in warm, wet conditions similar to its native Southeast Asian habitat. Both the corms and leaves are nutritious staples in many cuisines worldwide.
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Example Taro timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Taro
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 Taro
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Taro dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-12; can be grown in zone 9b with protection. Often grown as an annual in cooler zones.
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Planting & Sprouting
2-3 weeksCorms are planted in warm, moist soil. Shoots emerge within 2-3 weeks when soil temperature is above 65°F (ideally 70-80°F).
Ensure consistent soil moisture and warmth. Use disease-free seed corms. Plant when all frost danger has passed.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksLeaves unfurl and plants develop extensive foliage. Leaf petioles (stems) elongate and new leaves continuously emerge throughout the season.
Maintain consistent moisture. Apply mulch to keep soil cool and moist. Begin light fertilization every 4-6 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Leafy Growth & Establishment
8-12 weeksPlants become lush with large arrow-shaped leaves. Underground corms begin to develop and enlarge. Secondary cormels (small corms) may form around the main corm.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer monthly. Monitor for pests. Do not allow soil to dry out.
Corm Development & Maturation
8-16 weeksMain attention shifts underground as corms enlarge with starch accumulation. Leaves remain vibrant but growth slows as energy is redirected to corm expansion.
Maintain moisture and fertilizer schedule. Reduce nitrogen slightly to favor corm development over excessive leaf growth. Keep weeds controlled.
Harvest Readiness
VariableCorms have reached full size and starch content is maximized. Leaves may begin to yellow slightly. Plants are ready for harvest 6-9 months after planting.
Stop watering 2-3 weeks before harvest to allow corms to cure slightly in soil. Carefully dig to avoid bruising corms.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use disease-resistant varieties; ensure good air circulation; remove affected leaves promptly; apply copper fungicide if severe; avoid overhead watering
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; maintain humidity to discourage infestation
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Remove affected stems; use insecticidal neem oil; plant resistant varieties; practice crop rotation
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Use disease-free seed corms; practice crop rotation; ensure excellent drainage; remove infected plants; disinfect tools
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce natural predators like ladybugs
Uses
Staple starch crop
CulinaryTaro corms are boiled, fried, baked, or mashed as a starchy side dish throughout the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Caribbean. The corms have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and are gluten-free, making them ideal for diverse cuisines. [source]
Leafy greens & stem consumption
CulinaryTaro leaves (also called callaloo in some regions) are cooked as nutritious greens, and petioles (leaf stems) are often prepared separately in stir-fries or curries. Both are rich in vitamins and minerals. [source]
Nutritional & digestive health
MedicinalTaro is high in resistant starch, fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6. Traditional medicine systems recognize it for supporting digestion and blood sugar regulation. [source]
Flour & carbohydrate source
HouseholdTaro corms are dried and ground into flour for baking, making porridges, or creating gluten-free products. The starch is also used as a thickening agent. [source]
Ornamental foliage plant
WildlifeThe dramatic large, arrow-shaped leaves make taro an attractive tropical ornamental for warm gardens, water features, or container growing, while providing wildlife habitat. [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 6-9 months after planting when leaves begin to yellow or die back naturally. Carefully dig around the plant without cutting corms. The main corm is largest; cormels (small corms attached to the main corm) can also be harvested and replanted. For leaves, harvest outer leaves continuously once plants are 3-4 months old, being careful not to remove all foliage. Corms can be stored in cool (55-70°F), dry conditions for several months. Cure freshly dug corms in shade for 1-2 weeks before storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Taro is one of the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of use in Southeast Asia dating back over 10,000 years, and was likely the first plant cultivated for food in the Pacific Islands.
- 🌱 All parts of the taro plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause an itchy sensation in the mouth and throat if eaten raw; thorough cooking breaks down these crystals and makes the plant safe and delicious.
- 🌱 Taro is extremely productive in ideal conditions—a single well-grown plant can produce a main corm weighing 1-2 pounds plus numerous smaller cormels, making it exceptionally efficient for food security.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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