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

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

7a–11b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Feb 9

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Sep 4 – Oct 24

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois'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 Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.