How to grow Taro in New Zealand
Taro is a staple of the Pacific, with large, heart-shaped leaves and starchy, nutty corms that are cooked like potatoes. It needs warmth, rich soil and plenty of water, and it loves boggy ground, so in New Zealand it is only grown outdoors in the warm, humid north. Raw taro is toxic: always cook the corms and leaves thoroughly.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Taro in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to December | |
| Auckland | September to December | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | Not suited | Too cold and frosty for taro outdoors. |
| Central North Island | Not suited | Too cold and frosty for taro outdoors. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | Not suited | Too cool and frosty for taro outdoors. |
| Nelson & Marlborough | Not suited | Too cold and frosty for taro outdoors. |
| Canterbury | Not suited | Too cold and frosty for taro outdoors. |
| Otago & Southland | Not suited | Too cold and frosty for taro outdoors. |
| Central Otago | Not suited | Too cold and frosty for taro outdoors. |
Not to be confused with: Ornamental elephant ears and other aroids, some of which are poisonous. Only eat the true edible taro, Colocasia esculenta.
Where to plant
Taro needs a warm, frost-free spot, part shade and rich soil with plenty of organic matter that holds water. A boggy patch, a pond edge or a bed that can be kept constantly wet suits it well.
- Northland and Auckland: plant in spring once the soil is warm, in the most sheltered, moist spot.
- Waikato, Bay of Plenty and all regions further south: too cold and frosty for taro outdoors. A large tub in a heated glasshouse is the only option.
How to plant
- Start from a headsett, the top 1 to 2 cm of a corm with its leaf stalk attached, or from a sucker taken from the side of a corm.
- Plant about 5 cm deep and 80 cm apart in rich, moist soil.
- Water in well and keep the soil wet.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly and generously; taro wants constantly moist to wet soil through the growing season. Feed with a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertiliser every few weeks while it is growing strongly.
Pruning and care through the year
- Keep the ground weed free and mulched.
- Remove dead outer leaves.
- Wear gloves when handling the plant, as the sap can irritate skin.
Harvesting
Corms are ready when the leaves start to yellow, usually seven to twelve months after planting. Dig carefully around the plant and lift the corms. Taro does not store well, so leave corms in the ground until you need them. Save the headsetts to replant.
Raw taro contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe mouth and throat irritation. Always peel with gloves and cook the corms and leaves thoroughly, which makes them safe.
Growing in pots
In marginal areas, plant one headsett or sucker per large pot, about 5 cm deep, in rich potting mix. Stand the pot in a saucer of water and keep it in a warm, sheltered place, moving it under cover before the weather cools.
Varieties
- Common Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Companion planting
Taro likes the same warm, damp conditions as its Pacific and Asian garden companions.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Taro has few pests in New Zealand gardens; the bigger limit is cold.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Small insects under the leaves and on young shoots.
Diseases to watch for
- Taro blight Water-soaked spots on the leaves that grow and ooze in warm, wet weather, and leaves that collapse.
Common questions
Is taro poisonous?
Raw taro contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe irritation of the mouth and throat. Thorough cooking makes the corms and leaves safe. Wear gloves when peeling, as the sap can irritate skin.
Can I grow taro in New Zealand?
Outdoors, only in the warm, frost-free north, in Northland and Auckland. Further south it needs a heated glasshouse.
How do I plant taro?
Plant a headsett, the top of a corm with its leaf stalk, or a sucker from the side of a corm, about 5 cm deep and 80 cm apart in rich, wet soil.
When is taro ready to harvest?
When the leaves start to yellow, usually seven to twelve months after planting. Dig the corms as needed, as they do not store well.
Can I eat taro leaves?
Yes, the leaves of edible taro are eaten in many Pacific dishes, but only when thoroughly cooked.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow taro.