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

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

Michigan last frost

early April

Michigan first frost

late October

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Feb 9

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Sep 4 – Oct 24

Dates are approximate, based on Michigan'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 Michigan

Michigan has a humid continental climate moderated by the Great Lakes. Southern Michigan is Zone 5b-6a; the Upper Peninsula is Zone 4a-5a. Known for fruit crops along Lake Michigan.