The Ultimate Guide to Growing Taro(arouille)
Taro is a vital crop in many Pacific regions, providing a starchy, edible tuber underground. You can boil, bake, steam, or fry the root. Taro chips taste especially good!
Above ground, taro plants grow large, green, heart-shaped leaves. Taro thrives in warm climates, with temperatures above 25°C and no risk of frost.
Taro requires consistent watering and well-drained, rich soil. It tolerates brief waterlogged conditions but prefers balanced growing conditions. After 7-12 months, depending on the variety, the plant is ready for harvest. You’ll know it’s time when the leaves yellow and die back. Dig up the tubers with a garden fork. Eat taro root fresh and cook it to avoid stomach issues. You can also harvest and cook young taro leaves.
top 5 tips for planting taro
- Taro loves part-shade and protection from the hottest afternoon sun. Some varieties tolerate full sun, especially in tropical climates. Check the plant label for the best planting conditions.
- Before planting, improve the soil by adding
- You can plant taro from grocery store roots or potted plants, depending on availability.
- Harvest taro 7-12 months after planting. In temperate climates, choose fast-maturing varieties to avoid frost.
- Taro faces few pest or disease problems but needs consistent watering.
preparing to plant
Choose a part-shade or full-sun spot based on your variety. Moreover, in hot climates, opt for part-shade. Improve the soil by mixing Soil Improver and Fertiliser into the top 20-30 cm of soil.
Planting Taro in the Garden
Taro grows best in free-draining soil, but it can handle short periods of waterlogging. Space the taro roots or potted plants 80-100 cm apart. In addition for root pieces, plant 5 cm deep. Water generously and keep the soil moist. Use mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Fertilise lightly with Fertiliser 6-8 weeks after planting.
planting taro in plants
Taro grows well in large pots (50-60 cm deep and wide), such as a half wine barrel with drainage holes. Fill the pot with Potting Mix and plant the taro in the center. to add, place the pot in full sun or part-shade, depending on your variety. Fertilise 6-8 weeks after planting.
Water regularly, especially in hot months, to prevent heat stress and low tuber production. Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
when to harvest taro
Taro is ready for harvest 7-12 months after planting, depending on the variety. The plant’s leaves will yellow and die back when it’s time. Dig up the tubers carefully and store them for no more than a month. Always cook taro before eating. You can boil, steam, bake, or fry it.
