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Can You Grow Taro (Arbi / Colocasia) in Manitoba?

Canada · Canadian Zone 3 · zones 2, 3, 4

Won't grow here

Taro is frost-tender and cannot survive outdoors in your zone.

Plant zones

7a–11b

Manitoba last frost

mid-May

Manitoba first frost

late September

Days to harvest

150–200 days

When to plant Taro (Arbi / Colocasia)s in Manitoba

Start indoors

Mar 20

Transplant

May 15

Harvest

Oct 12 – Nov 30

Dates are approximate, based on Manitoba's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Taro (Arbi / Colocasia)

Taro (arbi) is a staple starchy corm used across Indian, Caribbean, Hawaiian, and African cuisines. The large decorative leaves make it a striking ornamental too. Grow from corms — never eat raw (the raw plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that must be destroyed by cooking).

Start corms indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Loves warmth, humidity, and consistently moist soil. Can grow in water or very wet soil. Harvest corms in fall when leaves yellow. Always cook thoroughly before eating. Can overwinter indoors as a houseplant.

Full taro (arbi / colocasia) growing guide →

Gardening in Manitoba

Manitoba has a cold continental climate. Winnipeg is Zone 3b-4a. Cold winters and hot summers make for an intense but short growing season. Excellent for sunflowers, canola, and cool-season vegetables.