Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
60 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
High
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial in suitable zones
Native To
Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested raw
The Story
Plant Bio
Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as taro, is a perennial tropical plant with large, heart-shaped leaves and stout, tuberous roots used as a staple food in many cultures. Valued for its dramatic, heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in length. It is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial that provides a bold, tropical effect in the landscape. Flowers are infrequent and not particularly showy.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck tubers into moist, well-draining soil in spring
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist
- Mist foliage during dry periods for humidity
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
- Divide tubers in early spring every 2-3 years
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade for best foliage color and growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Feed with balanced fertilizer monthly
- Mulch to retain moisture
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to full, harsh sun in hot climates
- Never forget to mulch during dry spells
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Taro questions
What zones can Taro grow in?
Taro is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Taro deer resistant?
Yes — Taro is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Taro bloom?
Taro typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Taro need full sun?
Taro does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Colocasia to compare
Black Runner Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'
Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Black Magic Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Elephant Ear Ruffles
Colocasia esculenta 'Ruffles'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Taro with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
