Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical plant valued for its starchy corms and edible leaves. Often called “elephant ear” due to its large, heart-shaped foliage, it serves as a significant food crop in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Its versatility in culinary applications, from traditional poi to modern chips, underscores its global importance.
Understanding Plant Growing Zones
Plant growing zones provide gardeners with valuable information regarding which plants can survive winter conditions in their specific location. The most widely recognized system in the United States is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which categorizes geographical areas based on their average annual extreme minimum winter temperature. Each zone represents a 10-degree Fahrenheit temperature range, further divided into ‘a’ and ‘b’ subzones. This system helps in selecting perennial plants that are likely to thrive and return year after year. While useful, these zones primarily focus on winter temperatures and do not account for other factors like summer heat, humidity, or precipitation, which also influence plant health.
Ideal Taro Growing Zones
Taro is a tropical species that flourishes in consistently warm climates, making it intolerant of frost. For optimal growth and perennial survival, taro is typically suited for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 through 11. In these warmer zones, taro corms can often remain in the ground year-round. However, specific varieties may exhibit slightly more cold tolerance, with some able to survive in Zone 7 if provided with adequate winter protection. Successful corm development generally requires a substantial growing season of at least 200 frost-free days.
Cultivating Taro Beyond Ideal Zones
Gardeners residing in regions outside taro’s ideal hardiness zones can still cultivate this tropical plant by treating it as an annual. One effective strategy involves starting taro corms indoors approximately six to eight weeks before the last anticipated spring frost. Container gardening also offers a practical solution, allowing for environmental control, particularly in cooler climates. Large pots, ideally 18 to 24 inches deep and wide, provide ample space for corm development and root expansion. These containers should be filled with rich, well-draining soil augmented with plenty of organic matter, and the soil must be kept consistently moist.
Overwintering taro
Overwintering taro is another viable option for preserving plants in colder climates. Before the first frost, gardeners can dig up the corms. These harvested corms should then be stored in a cool, dry location where temperatures remain above 45°F (7°C). This practice allows the corms to remain dormant through winter, ready for replanting in the spring once the threat of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently. Taro can also serve as an attractive houseplant, benefiting from indoor conditions during colder months.
Essential Climate Requirements for Taro
Beyond hardiness zones, taro has specific environmental needs that contribute to its vigorous growth. It is a heat-loving plant, performing best when daytime temperatures range between 77°F and 95°F (25°C to 35°C). Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause significant damage or even kill the plant, as taro is highly susceptible to cold.
High humidity is also beneficial for taro, ideally maintaining levels between 70% and 90%. Indoor cultivation may require misting or the use of humidifiers to replicate these conditions. Consistent moisture is crucial for taro, with the soil needing to remain constantly wet without becoming waterlogged. While taro can tolerate standing water up to six inches, especially in boggy conditions, proper drainage prevents root rot. The plant typically requires about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation.
Regarding light, taro thrives in full sun, receiving more than six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes lush foliage. However, in regions with intense summer heat, partial shade, particularly during the afternoon, can prevent leaf scorching and provide a more favorable growing environment.