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

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

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

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Jun 9 – Jul 29

Dates are approximate, based on California'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 California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.