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

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

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

7a–11b

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Sep 12 – Nov 1

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.