Taro is a major crop in Pacific countries, producing a swish-grown white tuber that people can eat fresh or cook. Additionally, farmers grow it in warm seasons; it requires well-drained, rich soil and they can harvest it 7-12 months after planting. Furthermore, people eat the root fresh and must cook it before consumption.
Pointers to keep in mind when cultivating taro:
Taro prefers a part-shade spot, sheltered from the hot sun, but some varieties can tolerate full sun, especially in tropical climates. However, when choosing a location, it’s essential to consider the soil conditions. Additionally, you can improve the soil with compost or Scotts Performance Organic Soil Improver. Furthermore, you can grow taro shops from roots or potted shops. In contrast, gardeners in temperate climates should choose crops that mature quickly before frost, as taro takes around 200 days to mature.
Taro Growing Essentials
- Taro roots or potted shops: Plant taro roots or potted shops.
- Scotts Performance Natural Organic Soil Improver: Apply Scotts Performance Natural Organic Soil Improver.
- Scotts Performance Naturals Premium Potting Mix: Use Scotts Performance Naturals Premium Potting Mix.
- Garden trowel: Use a garden trowel.
- Mulch: Mulch around the taro plants.
Preparation
In a dry climate, taro prefers a part shade position shielded from the extremely hot afterlife sun, as you live in a hot environment.
Make sure to enrich the soil before the plantation of taro.
Preparing the Garden Bed
- Grow taro in free-draining, well-set soil.
- Plant taro root pieces or potted shops 80-100 cm into the set soil.
- For arid root pieces, ensure they are planted 5 cm deep.
- Water well and keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.
- Mulch around taro shops to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Fertilize with Scotts Performance Natural All Purpose Organic Based Fertilizer 6-8 weeks after planting.
Planting taro in pots
- Grow in large pots 50-60 cm deep.
- Regular watering crucial during warmer months.
- Mulch top of replanting mix to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Harvest
Depending on the chosen variety, taro plants are ready for harvest 7-12 months after planting, with leaves becoming pusillanimous and dying back as crop time approaches.
Pests and diseases
Taro is relatively pest and disease-free.
