Colocasia, commonly known as Elephant Ear or Taro, is a striking and distinctive plant. With its enormous, heart-shaped leaves, the Elephant Ear is a fantastic choice for enhancing your outdoor space with its bold and unique presence.
Planting Calendar
Colocasia can be planted from spring through to autumn, as long as the ground is kept moist.
Harvest In
Harvest taro 7-12 months after planting, depending on the variety
All parts of Taro are poisonous and must be cooked before eating to avoid stomach upsets. Dig up tubers with a garden fork and use within 1 month as they do not store well. Tubers can be boiled, baked, steamed or made into chips.
Prepare
Colocasia is a tall growing, large leafed perennial, grown for it lush tropical leaves. There are several varieties producing a variation of foliage and stems colours, including black, white, mottled green and reddish purple. Well suited to tropical garden where it can be grown in areas that are shaded and damp. Colocasia looks great when planted in clumps for maximum effect and can also be grown in large pots.
Position
Colocasia prefers to be grown in full to partial shade with protection from strong winds and the hot midday sun. It needs a moist area for best performance.
Soil
When planted into the ground Colocasia prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Colocasia likes a soil that is consistently moist. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting time, as this helps to channel water down to the roots where it is needed the most.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from spring through to the end of autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Protect from winds, to keep the leaves looking good.
Spraying
Generally pest free, so spraying should not be needed.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colocasia?
Colocasia, commonly known as Elephant Ear, is a tropical plant known for its large, heart-shaped leaves. It adds a lush, exotic look to any garden or indoor space.
How do I plant Colocasia?
When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
When is the best time to plant Colocasia?
The best time to plant Colocasia is in the spring after the last frost. This allows the plant to establish roots before the warmer summer months.
How often should I water Colocasia?
Colocasia likes a soil that is consistently moist. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting time, as this helps to channel water down to the roots where it is needed the most.
How do I propagate Colocasia?
Colocasia can be propagated by dividing the tubers. Gently separate the tubers from the parent plant in spring or early summer and plant them in moist soil.