How Do You Grow Taro Root?

Written by Lars Nyman on

September 19, 2024

Growing Taro Root

Taro is a plant that forms underground roots and grows upwards. You can grow taro by digging up the root and planting it in the soil. The process of growing taro is called taro Growing or also known as Taro Culture. Digging out the taro root from the ground requires a lot of patience and perseverance. If you have an acre of land, growing your tares will be cheaper than buying them from a nursery. You can also create some edible greens for your family with the surplus-grown tare plants. Growing taro is not difficult if you know the right techniques. However, there are many factors to take into consideration before starting this project in your garden. Let’s explore how to grow taro:

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Cheatsheet: Growing Taro Root

🌿 Planting:

Choose a sunny, well-drained spot with rich, moist soil.

Plant taro corms 12-18 inches apart and 2-4 inches deep.

💧 Watering:

Keep soil consistently moist, provide 1-2 inches of water per week.

⏳ Growing Time:

Taro roots typically grow in 6-9 months.

🌡 Temperature:

Thrives in warm climates, requires temperature above 65°F (18°C).

🌱 Fertilizing:

Apply organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks for optimal growth.

🌲 Mulching:

Use organic mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.

🍽 Harvesting:

Harvest when leaves turn yellow, around 8-12 months after planting.

🌿 Storage:

Store harvested taro in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

💪 Nutrition:

Taro root is rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin E.

🍲 Culinary Uses:

Cook taro to make delicious dishes like taro chips, curries, or desserts.

Happy growing and enjoy the benefits of this versatile root crop! 🌱🌍

Growing Taro Root: A Gardener's Guide

Understanding Taro Root

Taro root, or Colocasia esculenta, is a tropical plant known for its edible corms. It’s a staple in many cuisines around the world. I remember my first taro harvest – it felt like unearthing hidden treasures.

Getting Started: Selecting the Right Taro Variety

There are numerous taro varieties, but I recommend starting with the common "dasheen" type. It's versatile and thrives in various conditions.

Purchase your taro corms from a reputable supplier to ensure quality. Fresh, disease-free planting material is crucial.

Soil and Climate Requirements

Taro prefers rich, loamy soil with excellent drainage. In my garden, I mix compost and organic matter to enhance soil fertility.

If you live in a cooler climate, consider growing taro in a greenhouse. It requires a warm environment with temperatures between 77°F and 95°F.

Planting Taro Root

  1. Choose a planting site with partial shade to mimic taro's natural habitat.
  2. Plant the corms about 4 inches deep and space them 1 to 2 feet apart. They need room to grow!
  3. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist.

Watering and Fertilizing

Taro is a thirsty plant. I make sure to water it daily during dry spells to keep the soil evenly moist. Don't let it dry out.

Every month, I apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix. This boosts growth and ensures healthy corm development.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests like aphids and spider mites can be a nuisance. I use neem oil and insecticidal soap as organic solutions.

Watch out for fungal diseases like leaf blight. Good airflow and spacing help prevent these issues.

Harvesting Taro Root

Taro roots are ready to harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die back, usually 7 to 12 months after planting.

Use a fork to gently lift the corms out of the soil. Be careful not to damage them.

Preparing and Enjoying Taro Root

After harvesting, I wash and cure the corms by letting them dry for a few days. This improves their storage quality.

Taro root is incredibly versatile. You can boil, bake, or fry it. My favorite? Taro chips with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Final Tips for Success

Patience and consistency are key. Taro takes time to mature, but the reward is worth the wait.

Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Happy gardening!

FAQ

1. What is the best time to plant taro root?

The best time to plant taro root is in the spring when the soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F.

2. How deep should I plant taro root?

Plant taro root 2-3 inches deep, ensuring the top of the root is level with the soil surface.

3. How often should I water taro plants?

Water taro plants frequently and consistently to maintain moist soil, especially during the drier seasons.

4. What type of soil is best for growing taro root?

Taro thrives in rich, loamy, and well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

5. How much sunlight does taro need?

Taro plants prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth.

6. How long does it take for taro root to mature?

Taro root usually takes 8-12 months to reach full maturity for harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

7. How do I harvest taro root?

To harvest taro root, carefully dig around the plant with a shovel or fork, then gently lift the root out of the soil.

8. Can I grow taro root in containers?

Yes, taro root can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant's size.

Taro is a plant that grows in warm and wet areas of the world. You can grow taro from roots or seeds. Taro is an excellent source of fiber, iron, potassium, and Vitamin B-6. Taro is a low-calorie food and is a good source of protein. You can make a soup with taro roots or use the stem of the taro plant to make dumplings.

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