How to Grow Taro and Eddoe Malanga
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Taro and Eddoe Malanga
Colocasia esculenta (Taro) / Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Malanga)
vegetableTaro and Malanga are tropical root vegetables with large, heart-shaped leaves and starchy underground corms prized for their nutty flavor and nutritional value. Both are staple crops in tropical and subtropical regions, grown primarily for their edible tubers but also valued for ornamental foliage. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and produce abundantly with minimal pest pressure.
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Example Taro and Eddoe Malanga timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Taro and Eddoe Malanga
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 and Eddoe Malanga
Around Nov 3≈ 200 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Taro and Eddoe Malanga dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9b-12; can be grown in zones 8-9 with protection or as annuals; excellent for tropical/subtropical regions
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Get my Taro and Eddoe Malanga timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Pre-planting
Variable, 1-4 weeks before plantingCorms are stored in cool, dry conditions with sprouting visible on the crown
Select firm, disease-free corms; store at 50-60°F with good air circulation; plant after last frost when soil reaches 65°F
Establishment (Sprouting)
3-4 weeks after plantingShoots emerge from corm; first leaves unfold; root system develops
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; protect from strong winds; mulch lightly; maintain 70-80°F temperatures
Vegetative Growth
8-16 weeksLarge heart-shaped leaves develop on long petioles; multiple shoots may emerge; canopy expands rapidly
Water deeply and regularly; provide balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks (NPK 10-10-10 or similar); remove weak shoots to direct energy; monitor for pests
Corm Development
12-20 weeksUnderground corms swell and enlarge; leaves continue to mature; plant reaches full canopy
Continue consistent watering; reduce nitrogen fertilizer, increase potassium and phosphorus (use 5-10-10 formula); mulch heavily to conserve moisture and keep corms cool
Maturity/Harvest Ready
Variable; 200-300 days total from plantingCorms reach full size (4-12 inches depending on variety); leaves may yellow slightly; plant growth slows
Reduce watering slightly but maintain consistent moisture; stop fertilizing 4 weeks before harvest; monitor for leaf spots or wilting indicating readiness
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
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Inspect regularly and remove by hand; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Remove by hand with soft brush; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; spray neem oil during growing season
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; apply copper fungicide or sulfur if severe; ensure well-draining soil
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Use resistant varieties when available; remove infected leaves immediately; improve drainage; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide in humid conditions
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; use well-amended soil; plant in raised beds if drainage is poor; sterilize tools between plants
Uses
Starch staple and root vegetable
CulinaryCooked taro and malanga corms are boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed as staple carbohydrate sources. The flesh has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked, and corms contain resistant starch beneficial for digestive health. [source]
Leafy greens (callaloo)
CulinaryYoung leaves and stems (petioles) are cooked as nutritious greens rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals like calcium and iron. Called 'callaloo' in Caribbean cuisine, they are prepared like spinach or in soups and stews. [source]
Traditional digestive and immune support
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, taro is used to support digestion, boost immunity, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The high fiber content and resistant starch promote healthy gut microbiota. [source]
Flour and processed foods
CulinaryDried and ground taro corms produce gluten-free flour used in baking, breakfast porridges, and specialty foods. This application extends shelf life and enables year-round use. [source]
Ornamental foliage plant
HouseholdLarge, architectural heart-shaped leaves make taro and malanga attractive specimen plants for tropical gardens, water features, and containers. Many cultivars feature dark purple or variegated foliage. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Taro and Malanga are typically harvested 8-12 months after planting when corms reach mature size. Harvest after foliage begins to yellow or die back naturally. Carefully dig around the plant to avoid damaging corms; mature plants can weigh 50+ pounds total. Wear gloves as uncooked taro contains oxalate crystals that cause itching. Store in cool (55-65°F), humid conditions with good air circulation; can last 2-3 months. Young leaves can be harvested continuously for cooking; harvest petioles when 12+ inches long. For container-grown plants, harvest after 10-12 months when leaves start to decline.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Taro is one of the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of cultivation dating back to 5000 BCE in Southeast Asia and is a staple crop for over 400 million people worldwide, particularly in the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Asia.
- 🌱 Fresh taro corms contain calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) that cause intense itching in the mouth and throat when uncooked; cooking completely neutralizes these compounds by breaking down the crystals.
- 🌱 Malanga (also called 'tannia' or 'new cocoyam') is native to tropical South America and produces smaller, more elongated corms than taro with a similar flavor profile but drier texture; it's gaining popularity in African and Caribbean cuisines.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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