The ornamental variety, characterized by its pink or red stems and leaves, is not suitable for consumption. On the other hand, the edible taro boasts green stems and leaves, with both its leaves and tubers being edible. It’s important to note that no part of the taro plant should be consumed raw.
For optimal growth, taro plants thrive when planted directly in the ground. This method provides ample space for their tubers to expand, in contrast to container planting, which tends to result in more foliage but less tuber production. Taro plants require well-draining soil, but they also have a high affinity for water, necessitating regular watering. Additionally, they benefit from a well-balanced fertilizer at the start of the growing season. In the late stages, typically after 2-3 months, you can enhance potassium levels by incorporating a fertilizer like green sand, an organic option rich in potassium.
The most effective way to propagate taro plants is to obtain their roots from a grocery store. Once established, these plants tend to produce numerous off-shoots that can be nurtured into independent taro plants. Taro plants typically take 3-4 months to reach maturity and yield tubers. When it’s time to harvest, you can use either a spade or a fork. Depending on the specific plant, you may need to dig deeper and exercise caution to avoid damaging the tubers during the harvesting process.
