Species taro
dark-purple leaves with dark-purple veins and midribs on dark-purple stems

taro

Colocasia esculenta 'Kona Coffee'

Also Known As - coloyam,elephant's ear,elephant's ear
Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Kona Coffee') is an amazing species of plant that is native to India and Southeast Asia. It boasts a rich and flavorful taste, making it a favorite among foodies and culinary enthusiasts. It produces large, heart-shaped leaves and round tubers with creamy flesh and a distinct nutty aroma. Its 'Kona coffee' variety gives off an exquisite flavor of light-roasted coffee — a tantalizing and unique combination. Taro is also easily cultivated, making it one of the more sustainable options for home gardens. Its colorful stems, dark hues, and delicious taste make it an amazing addition to any backyard. As a bonus, its nutritious roots also make for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Yellowish-white Flowers

Sun:

Filtered shade, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Bog, Humus rich

Fruits:

green,yellow,purple Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Kona Coffee') plant should be watered every 5-7 days. Depending on the season and type of soil, the amount of water varies. During the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, it should be watered deeply and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. In the fall and winter, it should be watered more sparingly to prevent the roots from staying wet for too long. In sandy soil, taro will need more frequent watering than in heavier soils. If the soil feels dry to 2 inches below the surface, it is time to water. Generally, taro plants should receive enough water that it is soaking into the root zone, but not enough that the soil is soggy or waterlogged.

sunlight

Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Kona Coffee') plants require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to perform optimally. These plants are most comfortable in temperatures between 63-85°F and can be easily damaged by temperatures that are too hot or too cold. In general, the best time of day for the plant to receive sunlight is during the morning and afternoon hours, avoiding any strong sunlight during the middle of the day. When growing a Taro plant indoors, it would be beneficial to place the plant close to a window where there is direct access to sunlight.

pruning

Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Kona Coffee') should be pruned in late summer when the plant is actively growing. As growth begins to slow for the season, trim away the old foliage, removing any dead or dying plant material. Remove any spent flowers or seed pods as well. Prune the plant to the desired shape and size, taking care to remove only the excess foliage and not removing more than about 1 third of the total amount of foliage at a time. Pruning will help promote healthy, even growth for the next season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Taro typically starts flowering in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Colocasia esculenta 'Kona Coffee' is usually between July and September.

Starts Flowering

Taro typically starts flowering in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Colocasia esculenta 'Kona Coffee' is usually between July and September.

Hardiness Map