How to Grow Taro, Tahitian
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Taro, Tahitian
Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta
vegetableTahitian taro is a tropical starchy root vegetable with large, heart-shaped leaves and an underground corm (tuber) that is harvested for food. The plant is a staple carbohydrate source in Pacific Island cuisines and grows 3-6 feet tall. It thrives in warm, humid, wet conditions and is valued both for its nutritious corms and ornamental foliage.
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Example Taro, Tahitian timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Taro, Tahitian
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, Tahitian
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-12; can be grown as an annual or potted plant in cooler zones if brought indoors during winter
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Get my Taro, Tahitian timeline →Growth Stages
Sprouting
2-4 weeksSmall shoots emerge from planted corms; first leaves unfold
Keep soil warm (70-80°F+) and consistently moist; ensure good drainage to prevent rot; provide warmth with mulch or grow in warm season
Vegetative Growth
3-4 monthsPlant develops multiple large heart-shaped leaves on long petioles; robust foliage established
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; feed every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer or compost tea; thin to single strongest plant if multiple shoots
Corm Development
2-3 monthsUnderground corm expands while foliage continues growing; cormels (baby corms) may develop around main corm
Continue regular watering and feeding; avoid disturbing soil around base; maintain warm temperatures; mulch heavily to regulate soil moisture and temperature
Maturation
1-2 monthsCorm reaches full size; foliage may yellow or decline slightly; plant signals readiness for harvest
Reduce watering slightly if harvesting soon; foliage may show age but continue feeding until harvest; monitor for pests
Harvest
Harvest windowCorm is large, starchy, and ready for digging; may harvest cormels separately if desired
Dig carefully to avoid bruising corms; harvest 7-9 months after planting; can leave in ground in warm climates and harvest as needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves; encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticides if severe; improve air circulation
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Remove by hand or with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray neem oil weekly; inspect new foliage regularly
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Hand-pick; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation severe
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected plants; rotate crops; treat soil with fungicide if needed; use disease-free planting material
Uses
Staple Carbohydrate & Flour
CulinaryTaro corms are a primary carbohydrate source in Pacific Island and Asian cuisines, boiled, roasted, fried, or made into flour. The starch is easily digestible and used to make poi, taro chips, and traditional dishes. [source]
Leafy Greens (Callaloo)
CulinaryYoung taro leaves and petioles (stems) are edible when cooked thoroughly to remove calcium oxalate crystals, used in Caribbean and Pacific dishes. Properly cooked leaves provide vitamins and minerals. [source]
Traditional Nutritional Support
MedicinalTaro has been used in traditional medicine to support digestion and provide easily absorbed nutrients. Rich in fiber, potassium, and resistant starch when cooked. [source]
Ornamental Foliage Plant
HouseholdThe dramatic large green leaves with distinctive veining make taro an attractive tropical ornamental for gardens, containers, and indoor spaces in warm climates. [source]
Hummingbird & Pollinator Garden
WildlifeTaro flowers (spathe and spadix) attract pollinators and beneficial insects; the large leaves provide shelter for tropical wildlife and birds. [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 corms are 7-9 months old or when foliage begins to yellow; dig carefully with a spade or fork to avoid bruising; grasp base of plant and pull gently while excavating around corm; corms can be left in ground in zones 10-12 and harvested as needed; in cooler climates, harvest before first frost; smaller cormels can be separated and replanted for next season
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Taro holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Asian cultures; in Hawaiian mythology, the taro plant is considered a symbol of life and sustenance.
- 🌱 Tahitian taro is more heat and humidity tolerant than some other taro varieties, making it ideal for tropical lowland regions; the Tahitian variety produces larger, higher-quality corms in the right conditions.
- 🌱 Taro leaves are notably large—sometimes reaching 2-3 feet in length—and the plant can produce new leaves continuously throughout the growing season if conditions remain favorable.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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