I live in zone 5 and it's hot and dry here in the summer, but I'm wondering if I could grow taro in part sun in a container. How big would it get the first year? Any tricks on watering (ie - would it need to stand in a tray of water?) I would appreicate any info you have.
Thanks!
-Mara
elephant ears (taro?) I'm a newbie
Depends on which taro.
But Colocasia e. will grow to a huge size in a huge container in a single season.
Start w/ the biggest tuber you can find.
In mid Summer you can't water the container enough. lol
I use a bucket of water a day at least w/ a deeper watering every week.
Full sun is the best. I get 6 footers in partial shade though.
Ric
Great! I'll try it. It seems like a good way to fill an otherwise drab space.
Sashagirl
Mar 05, 2006
Are Elephant ears the Taro you refer to?
I know lots of folks grow them in containers, but I have done both ways, and prefer planting directly in the ground. Mid-March, I start the bulbs in 10" grower pots, indoors. By the time the ground is warm enough- usually late May- they have nice size top growth and I put them in the ground, in a morning sun , afternoon shadey location. I provide tons of water and regular fertilizer, over the summer. Some years, when we've been in re-modeling mess, I have planted straight in the ground late May.Her's a pic of my yearly "herd". Deanna
Taro is the Hawaiian name for Colocasia They make poi out of it a main food source for hawaiians in the old days. Their are hundreds of forms and many new hybrids being developed. The form most grow are like the pic above which is a common form. All of you who have posted should try Colocasia pink china I highly recommend it . I have found the regular form to sometimes be hardy out doors but I have grown pink china for 7 years and have never had to dig it up and I have stop protecting it with mulch. I also don't grow my plants in pots that is unless they are for stock plants. In the ground is best they can spread their roots and will usually get much larger. Good luck