Where to Find Edible Taro Plants for Sale

Taro, also known as Colocasia esculenta, is a staple crop grown throughout the tropics for its edible corms, leaves, and stems. As interest grows in exotic and heirloom edible plants, more home gardeners are looking for places to purchase taro starts and plants. In this guide, we’ll look at what makes taro an intriguing edible plant to grow and the best sources for buying taro plants online or at local nurseries.

An Overview of Taro’s Uses as an Edible Plant

Taro has been cultivated as a food crop for over 8,000 years. Both the leaves and starchy corm are edible. The leaves can be prepared much like spinach while the starchy corm is often boiled, fried, or added to soups and stews as a potato substitute.

Some key facts about taro’s edibility

• Taro leaves provide an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B-complex as well as minerals like calcium and iron.

• The corm offers a high level of dietary fiber and carbohydrates

• Taro has a subtle, slightly nutty flavor that takes well to a variety of seasonings and cuisines.

• All parts of the plant must be thoroughly cooked before eating to remove oxalic acid crystals which can cause irritation.

• In addition to the corms and leaves, taro stems are also edible when cooked.

With proper preparation, taro offers a versatile and nutrient-dense edible plant for gardens.

Where to Purchase Taro Plants

Taro plants can be purchased from a few different sources:

Online Nurseries

Purchasing taro plants from an online nursery allows you to conveniently shop for different taro varieties from the comfort of your home. Reputable online nurseries like Sow Exotic carefully package and ship live taro plants and starts. Some things to look for in an online taro nursery include:

• A range of different taro varieties and cultivars.

• Options for purchasing multiple plants or starts at discounted prices.

• Clear details on plant size, care, and growing conditions.

• Guidance on when plants will ship based on your hardiness zone.

• Reviews from past customers.

When ordering taro plants online, be sure to plant them shortly after they arrive. Keep them well-watered while becoming established.

Local Nurseries

Searching for taro plants at local nurseries is another great option. You can often find tropical taro varieties at specialty nurseries focused on water plants or exotic edibles. Local nurseries allow you to hand pick the exact taro plants or starts you want. Things to look for when buying taro locally:

• Look for taro starts with several leaves and an established corm.

• Inspect plants for any pests or signs of disease.

• Ask about ideal growing conditions and other care tips.

• Inquire if the nursery has multiple taro varieties to choose from.

Farmer’s Markets

In some tropical and subtropical regions, farmers and gardeners may offer taro plants or starts at local farmer’s markets. This allows you to buy taro varieties that are known to grow well locally. Be sure to arrive early in the day for the best selection.

Wherever you choose to purchase taro plants, be sure to plant them in a moist, rich soil in full sun to part shade. Give taro ample moisture and fertilizer for the highest yields. Then enjoy watching your tropical taro plants thrive and producing abundant edible corms and greens.

Yes, taro (Colocasia esculenta) can be grown in the US, particularly in warmer regions like Hawaii, Florida, and parts of the South. It thrives in USDA zones 8-11, requiring warm, frost-free conditions and abundant moisture.

Yes, you can plant taro root purchased from the grocery store to grow a taro plant. Choose firm, plump tubers with no signs of rot.