Colocasia

Colocasia or taro is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world having been grown as a food crop in tropical Asia for more than 10,000 years. In the garden, it is a striking plant with large heart-shaped leaves at the end of long, colorful stalks. Colocasia prefers full sun to light shade. They like rich soils that are moist to almost wet. They are heavy feeders so fertilize weekly with a high nitrogen liquid fertilizer. In the fall, dig the roots up after light frost has killed back the plant. Store the roots in a cool (45-50 degrees), dark area. Divide, repot and start plants indoors in the spring.

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