How to Grow Taro

A warm-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Taro is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Taro in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the taro page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Bun Long, Common edible Chinese taro (tropical nurseries)
• Dasheen, Large edible corm type (tropical nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: part sun to light shade, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 60 cm (24 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 5 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 10 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids. In humid regions, Taro blight can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Taro is usually ready to harvest in about 9 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant taro where you garden.

See also: Taro in the plant library →

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