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

US · USDA Zone 4b · zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

7a–11b

South Dakota last frost

mid-April

South Dakota first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Sep 12 – Nov 1

Dates are approximate, based on South 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 South Dakota

South Dakota has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Eastern South Dakota is Zone 4b-5a; western South Dakota is colder. Short growing seasons.