Elephant Ear Growing Zones
Most varieties of elephant ears thrive outdoors in zones 9 through 11.
Elephant ear growing zones. In cooler climates zones 3-7 the tubers are planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and usually treated as annuals. They like filtered sun or shade and rich moist soil. Elephant ears Colocasia esculenta are tropical plants that thrive in sunlight or shade and need a humid environment.
Elephant ears will only truly thrive in warmer areas similar to their native humid climates of Southeast Asia and with daytime temperatures of 70 to 85F and nights no lower than 60F. They do not often do well over winter as these plants originate from a tropical area. I started out growing the plain old Colocasia esculenta.
If growing in pots use a rich organic potting soil and plant them at the same depth. My goal is for you to be inspired to grow elephant ears in your garden. Elephant ears are tropical plants that do best in circumstances that mimic their native habitat.
Plant the tubers about 2 to 3 inches 5-8 cm deep blunt end down. In USDA zones 8 and higher find yours here they can stay in the ground to return the following spring. Department of Agriculture USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.
In USDA zones 8 through 9 elephant ear usually dies to the ground. Growing frost-tender elephant ear plants as annuals is always an option for gardeners in zone 6 not a bad idea since the plant develops very quickly. All elephant ear plant species share similar growing conditions preferring full sun or part shade and moist soil with good drainage.
They will be evergreen in USDA zones 10 to 11 but will likely die back to the ground in zones 8 to 9 to return in the spring. Taro roots provide a starchy food source for many but I grow them for their colossal leaves. Throughout the years various cultivation methods have produced a variety of elephant ears in different colors shapes and sizes.
911 USDA Native Area. In northern regions such as USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6 elephant ears grow from tubers or corms which are dug up each fall and planted again in the spring. Although they are adaptable and will survive periodically.
Planting elephant ear bulbs indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the last frost date is also acceptable. In colder climates you can grow elephant ear plants in the ground as annuals. Elephant ear or African mask plant is big-leafed tropical thats usually grown as an outdoor summer plant around here.
They will be evergreen in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11 but will die in ground zones 8 to 9 returning in the spring. The answer is yes these can be grown in tropical areas however with caladiums after a few months of foliage they are programmed to go into a dormancy period and in zones 11 and 12 many gardeners are not looking for. Can elephant ears be grown in tropical areas.
Or you can dig up the elephant ear bulbs and store them indoors for replanting the following spring. They can be grown in cooler areas but will need to be replanted each year. The good news is that growing Amazonian elephants ear is pretty easy.
This species is actually the taro plant which is widely grown in many tropical regions as a food source. In zones 10 through 11 the plants are nearly evergreen. A native of Southeast Asia elephant ear is hardy in US.
Elephant ears should be dug up for winter in cold climates. Elephant ear plants can generally be planted outside in Zone 9 or higher. Toxic to humans dogs and cats.
Before the first cold snap in the fall cut the foliage down to within a few. Elephant ear plants are native to tropical countries. In colder zones they will perish unless the.
You can also store Colocasia tubers indoors. If you have a large pot you can bring Colocasia inside and grow it as a houseplant until you move it back outdoors in spring. In cold climates small pots can be brought indoors and enjoyed as a houseplant during the winter.
Harden off elephant ear plants for about a week prior to placing them outdoors. In the cooler zones they will die unless. The key is to select the right type of elephant plant and care for them as required.
The elephant ear is a tropical plant that likes to grow in conditions similar to its native habitat. They are not zone limited and gardeners living in any hardiness zone from 3 11 can enjoy growing them with ease. In zone 8-9 Elephant Ears generally survive winter if left in the ground.
In USDA zones 9 through 11 elephant ears thrive in tropical gardens in partial shade or full sun. A few Colocasia and Alocasia species are cold hardy to zone 7. Fully hardy in Zones 10 to 11.
However in general elephant ears dont grow in the cold and cant tolerate frost. However itll also work as a potted plant that you can grow inside or use as a houseplant in cold weather and then move outside in summer.