Coal Miner Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Coal Miner'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
48 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
8, 9
Water
Consistently moist to wet
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested raw; contains calcium oxalate crystals
The Story
Plant Bio
Colocasia esculenta, or Taro, is a tropical herbaceous perennial grown for its large, heart-shaped leaves and edible corms, thriving in wet, boggy conditions. This cultivar has unique almost black glossy leaves with a striking contrast to its white flowers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck corms into moist, well-draining soil in a shaded spot.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Mist foliage regularly during dry periods for optimal growth.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Divide rhizomes in early spring for propagation, taking care to replant immediately.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade to protect from intense sun and ensure lush foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade during hot summer days
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
Don't
- Avoid waterlogging which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from dry, infrequent watering
- Avoid disturbing rhizomes during active growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| 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
Coal Miner Taro questions
What zones can Coal Miner Taro grow in?
Coal Miner 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 Coal Miner Taro deer resistant?
Yes — Coal Miner Taro is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Coal Miner Taro bloom?
Coal Miner Taro typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Coal Miner Taro need full sun?
Coal Miner Taro does best in part shade.
More Colocasia to compare
Black Runner Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'
Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Black Magic Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Coal Miner 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.
