Root & Crops & Tubers· Colocasia esculenta

Taro Growing Guide

One of the oldest cultivated crops, grown for its starchy corm and edible leaves. A dietary staple across the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa, adapted to wetland and upland cultivation.

How Long Does Taro Take to Grow?

Taro is typically ready to harvest about 210 days after planting.

210

Days to Harvest

11,200

kg/hectare

very high

Water Needs

partial shade

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

21-27°C optimal

Rainfall

1500-3000 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

none

Drought Tolerance

low

Humidity

high tolerance

Heat Tolerance

moderate

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: clay loam, silty clay, loam, muck

pH range: 5.5 - 6.5 (optimal: 6)

Drainage: poor

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)high

Phosphorus (P)moderate

Potassium (K)high

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

corm planting, sucker division

Planting Depth

8 cm

Plant Spacing

60 cm apart, 90 cm rows

Planting Season

spring, early_summer

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

6,170 - 36,340 kg/ha

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

taro planthopper
aphids
armyworms

Common Diseases

taro leaf blight
corm rot
dasheen mosaic virus

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Wetland (paddy) cultivation yields higher than upland but requires flooded conditions for 6+ months.

All plant parts contain calcium oxalate crystals -- thorough cooking is essential before consumption.

Intercrop with coconut or banana to provide the partial shade that improves corm quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Taro take to grow?

Taro typically takes 210 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 14 days. The best planting season is spring, early_summer.

What soil does Taro need?

Taro grows best in clay loam, silty clay, loam, muck soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Poor drainage is required.

What temperature does Taro need?

Taro grows best at 21-27°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: moderate.

What is the expected yield for Taro?

Across 3 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Taro range from 6,170 to 36,340 kg/hectare, with a median of 11,200. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.