did you know?

Known in the West Indies as dasheen or eddo, taro is grown in tropical regions as a staple carbohydrate food source. With a distinct nutty flavor, its tubers are used much like we use potatoes?baked, boiled, or roasted.

general maintenance:

Prune yellowing foliage to the ground. Where not hardy, dig up tubers after frost has blackened leaves. Store in a dry, frost-free location.

pests/diseases:

Aphids, spider mites, and tuber rot may occur.

controls:

Regularly hose off aphids and spider mites with a directed stream of water or apply insecticidal soap, following label directions. To discourage spider mites, mist frequently to increase humidity. To control tuber rot, remove and destroy infected tubers and reduce watering.

how to sow/plant:

Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Plant tubers 6 inches deep in individual peat pots, water well, and keep in a warm place. After threat of frost has passed, choose a shady site, amend with compost or well-rotted manure, and set out young plants 2?3 feet apart. Water thoroughly after planting. For use in water gardens, set sprouted tubers in large planters or along the bank of a pond or stream, and submerge in no more than than 12 inches of water.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Apply a balanced all-purpose fertilizer monthly, following label directions.

garden hint:

Wear gloves when cutting taro leaves or digging and cleaning tubers because the sap contains an irritant that is destroyed only by cooking.

features:

• Deer Resistant
• Shade Tolerant
• Wet Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders
• Indoors
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (tuber?only when cooked)
• Cut Flower (use leaves in bold arrangements)

combine with:

castor bean coleus and purple heart Martha uses the dark-leaved cultivar 'Black Magic' in containers on her terrace at Turkey Hill.