taro - cold hardy Korean (#2)

taro tubers are sold in quantities of 3 and 12.

Colocasia esculenta - taro, Korean variety

The taro plant, known in the ornamental world as elephant ears, produces clusters of edible tubers. It is grown as a major crop in many tropical and subtropical ecologies.

This strain of taro, a Korean strain, is more cold hardy than others, and has undergone significant planting in and around the mountainous areas of North Carolina, having successfully overwintered below ground in areas as cold as 6b. So in these and warmer areas, taro can assume its role as a perennial if desired. In colder areas it will still produce a good crop and can be grown as an annual, similar to how other tubers such as potatoes and sweet potatoes are grown.

Taro has been observed to push out native vegetation in wetland areas of the Deep South, such as Florida. The Korean variety has been observed to be less vigorous to spread via rhizomes than other varieties of taro. Still, we recommend that any person planting these taro tubers in zone 6b and warmer, to do so with awareness, in a cultivated setting, away from wetland areas. Thanks.