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Can You Grow Taro (Arbi / Colocasia) in Nova Scotia?

Canada · Canadian Zone 6 · zones 5, 6

Grows well here

Taro grows well in your warm, humid zone — plant in moist soil or even in a container of water.

Plant zones

7a–11b

Nova Scotia last frost

early April

Nova Scotia first frost

late October

Days to harvest

150–200 days

When to plant Taro (Arbi / Colocasia)s in Nova Scotia

Start indoors

Feb 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

Aug 29 – Oct 18

Dates are approximate, based on Nova Scotia'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 Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a maritime climate moderated by the Atlantic. Most of the province is Zone 5b-6a; the Annapolis Valley is Zone 6a-6b and one of Canada's premier apple-growing regions.