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

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

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

Virginia last frost

early March

Virginia first frost

late November

Days to harvest

150–200 days

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

Start indoors

Jan 10

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

Aug 4 – Sep 23

Dates are approximate, based on Virginia'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 Virginia

Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.