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

US · USDA Zone 4a · zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

7a–11b

North Dakota last frost

late April

North Dakota first frost

early October

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Feb 27

Transplant

Apr 25

Harvest

Sep 22 – Nov 10

Dates are approximate, based on North Dakota'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 Dakota

North Dakota has a harsh continental climate with cold winters and short warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 3b-4a. Focus on cold-hardy crops and short-season varieties.