Growing Taro, also Dasheen, cocoyam

Colocasia esculenta : Araceae / the arum or lily family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions

  • Plant small pieces of tuber or suckers, 5-8cm deep. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 31 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 28 weeks. When the leaves begin to die down. .
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

23 Aug 18, Anaheke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I’d like to grow the Taro Nuie and Alafua sunrise. I live on North Stradbroke Island - Minjeeribah and wondered if you knew where I could buy this variety for planting and eating. Thankyou
24 Aug 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google where to buy it.
30 Apr 18, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
Cypriots, particularly from the North of Cyprus have been successfully growing taro since the 1950s. It needs a lot of well aged manures, chicken, sheep, cow etc and a huge amount of water. That is why it is not widely or commercially grown in SA. The soil must not be allowed to dry out. Because of water restrictions, many Cypriots grow the plants in 1/2 wine barrels. Good luck. They make great chick or pork stews.
01 Feb 18, Clint (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, are the seed for sale and does it grow in well in gauteng?
18 Jul 17, Taro (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Planted a whole bag of fijian pink in coromandel in may. Cut the corms up into chunks followed all instructions, but unfortunately they all rotted. Transplanted another variety that was growing before and it was 100% sucess rate although the leaves have produced round brown discolourations. Any suggestion for a particular variety and where to get it from? Cheers
25 Apr 17, Anthony Akachili (Australia - arid climate)
Hi, I live in Perth and I would like to purchase an edible Taro Tubers. For planting and eating.
26 Apr 17, Sean (Australia - temperate climate)
Check Gumtree. I found some in Canning Vale, Eglinton and Bull Creek. trust this helps
11 Mar 17, Monika (Australia - tropical climate)
I am in Adelaide I am looking for taro to grow in my garden
12 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Green Harvest at Maleny SE Qld list Taro. They can send to SA. There are no doubt other suppliers. You could try a local Permaculture group for some rhizomes as well. All the best
15 Jan 17, F.rahman (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Currently I'm in upington how can I get taro plant. Kind regards F.rahman
Showing 41 - 50 of 78 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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