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

US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 7b, 8a, 8b

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

Alabama last frost

mid-February

Alabama first frost

early December

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

Jul 15 – Sep 3

Dates are approximate, based on Alabama'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 Alabama

Alabama has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. Most of the state supports year-round cool-season growing and a long warm season for vegetables.