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Can You Grow Taro (Arbi / Colocasia) in North Carolina?

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

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

North Carolina last frost

late February

North Carolina first frost

early December

Days to harvest

150–200 days

When to plant Taro (Arbi / Colocasia)s in North Carolina

Start indoors

Jan 3

Transplant

Feb 28

Harvest

Jul 28 – Sep 16

Dates are approximate, based on North Carolina'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 North Carolina

North Carolina spans the mountains (Zone 5b-6a), Piedmont (Zone 7a-7b), and coastal plain (Zone 8a). Long warm seasons support tobacco, sweet potatoes, and a wide range of vegetables.