Growing Taro, also Dasheen, cocoyam
Colocasia esculenta : Araceae / the arum or lily family
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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 20°C and 35°C.
- Space plants: 80 cm apart
- Harvest in approximately 28 weeks. When the leaves begin to die down. .
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed
NB: Make sure that you plant EDIBLE Taro, some varieties that are grown as ornamental plants are not edible and can have unpleasant results if eaten. There is some useful information here http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_coes.pdf Taro grows to about 1 m (3 ft) and has long, green, heart-shaped leaves on long stalks. Taro grows well in warm/hot, humid areas - it needs a long growing time, frost free and lots of water. Keep well watered. Dryness will stop growth. Grow in full sun.
Taro is damaged by cold or frosty weather. Lift the tubers and store in a cool dry place.
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Taro
Taro can be cooked like potatoes, boiled, roasted, fried or steamed. It is not eaten raw.
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