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

Canada · Canadian Zone 5 · zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Grow indoors

Start in a large pot and keep consistently moist — move outdoors in summer for best growth.

Plant zones

7a–11b

Ontario last frost

mid-April

Ontario first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Sep 12 – Nov 1

Dates are approximate, based on Ontario'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 Ontario

Ontario spans several climate zones. Northern Ontario is Zone 3-4 with short seasons; southern Ontario is Zone 5-7 with long productive seasons. The Niagara Peninsula is one of Canada's premier fruit-growing regions.