🌿🥔 The Best 20 Varieties of Taro to Grow: Tips, Facts, and Information
🌿 Introduction: Why Grow Taro?
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical root crop grown for its starchy corms and, in some varieties, edible leaves. It’s widely used in Caribbean, African, Asian, and Pacific cuisines and can also be grown as a striking ornamental plant.
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Gardeners grow taro because it:
✔ produces nutritious, versatile corms
✔ thrives in warm, moist conditions
✔ grows well in containers
✔ has dramatic foliage
With the right care, taro can be grown successfully in the UK under protection or outdoors during warm summers.
Below is a guide to the 20 best taro varieties, plus practical growing tips.
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🌱🧠 1. What Is Taro?
Taro is a perennial root vegetable grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Key features:
✔ underground corms (edible when cooked)
✔ large heart-shaped leaves
✔ thrives in warm, wet soil
✔ sensitive to frost
All parts must be fully cooked before eating.
🥔🌿 2. Best Traditional Edible Taro Varieties
These are grown mainly for their corms.
1. Dasheen
Large corms, classic Caribbean variety.
2. Bun Long
Popular Chinese taro with creamy flesh.
3. Maui Lehua
Pink-fleshed Hawaiian taro.
4. Bun-Chang
Smooth texture, excellent flavour.
5. Japanese Satoimo
Smaller corms, prized in Japanese cooking.
6. Eddoe
Compact, fast-growing, good for containers.
7. Tahitian Taro
Traditional Pacific Island variety.
8. Samoan Taro
Robust growth and good yields.
🌱🥬 3. Varieties Grown for Leaves (Leaf Taro)
Some taro types are grown mainly for foliage.
9. Luau Taro
Leaves commonly used in Hawaiian dishes.
10. Solomon Island Taro
Tender leaves and moderate corm size.
11. Sri Lankan Leaf Taro
Best for cooking leaves rather than corms.
🌸🌿 4. Ornamental & Dual-Purpose Taro Varieties
These combine beauty with productivity.
12. Black Magic
Deep purple-black leaves, ornamental favourite.
13. Illustris
Green leaves with dramatic black centres.
14. Fontanesii
Tall growth with classic taro leaves.
15. Mojito
Splashed green and cream foliage.
🌿🌱 5. Compact & Container-Friendly Varieties
Ideal for small gardens and patios.
16. Mini Taro
Smaller corms, excellent pot plant.
17. Dwarf Eddoe
Compact habit, faster harvest.
18. Baby Taro
Good for short growing seasons.
🌱🌾 6. High-Yield & Vigorous Varieties
For maximum production.
19. Giant Taro
Massive leaves and large corms.
20. Green Mountain
Cold-tolerant compared to other varieties.
🌞💧 7. How to Grow Taro Successfully
Taro needs warmth and moisture.
✔ full sun to partial shade
✔ consistently moist soil
✔ rich compost
✔ frost-free conditions
In the UK, grow taro in:
✔ greenhouses
✔ polytunnels
✔ large containers outdoors in summer
💧⚠️ 8. Common Growing Mistakes
❌ letting soil dry out
❌ exposing plants to frost
❌ poor drainage in cold weather
❌ harvesting too early
Warmth and water are key to success.
🍽️🥔 9. How to Harvest and Use Taro
✔ harvest after 6–9 months
✔ dig carefully to avoid damage
✔ cure briefly before cooking
Taro is used in:
✔ stews and curries
✔ mashed dishes
✔ chips and fries
✔ traditional poi
Always cook thoroughly.
⚠️🧠 10. Safety Notes When Growing Taro
✔ raw taro is toxic
✔ gloves recommended when handling
✔ cooking removes irritants
Never eat taro raw.
🌟 FAQs
Can taro be grown in the UK?
Yes — with warmth and protection.
Is taro the same as elephant ear plants?
Some ornamental elephant ears are taro, others are not edible.
Can taro grow in water?
Yes — it tolerates very wet soil.
How long does taro take to grow?
Usually 6–9 months.
Is taro nutritious?
Yes — rich in carbohydrates and fibre.