Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Colocasia esculenta Question, 1 by DaleTheGardener

DaleTheGardener wrote:
Erick, To grow 'tropical' plants in the Twin Cities you need to choose a cultivar that grows in the cool tropics. When I was growing up in SMpls I remember seeing cannas and castor bean growing in gardens. I lived in SF, they have a climate that I would call the cool tropics, and there was only one EE that grew there - Alocasia odora 'California' http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/53188/index.html If you can find it, I am sure it would do well for you.

Also, there is a guy out at the State Landscape Arboretum that has a lot of knowledge about uncommon plants. I don't remember his name. He is the guy that plans the seasonal beds, he and his wife run a small nursery and they have an incredible display garden every summer. If you are ever over there, or email them with a request for information, I am sure they would be happy to help.

I wouldn't give up on the Taro that you bought at the grocery store, you just never know what will grow. I would give it a southern, sheltered location and hope for the best.