Table of Contents
How do you plant Colocasia bulbs?
Dig a hole for each Colocasia bulb, using a shovel or trowel. Plant each bulb 8 to 10 inches deep with the pointy end facing down. Water generously, providing enough water to saturate the soil around the roots. Unlike many plants, you can’t over water Colocasia.
Should you soak elephant ear bulbs before planting?
Elephant Ear bulbs are typically planted during the spring season once the threat of frost has passed. Plant the bulb so that it is covered with 1-2″ of soil. Thoroughly soak the area with water once the tubers have been planted. Continue to water regularly throughout the growing season.
Can you plant elephant ear bulbs in pots?
Plant corms 2-4 feet apart, 4-6 inches deep in moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. You can grow the smaller varieties in large containers. If growing in containers you’ll have to keep the soil evenly, constantly moist. Elephant Ears come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
How long does a Colocasia bulb take to grow?
Elephant ears usually sprout three to eight weeks from planting. Sprouting occurs when the weather begins to warm in spring. They will sprout faster in warmer climates than in cooler climates. To speed up the process, you can start them inside and move them outdoors once it warms up.
How do I sprout Colocasia?
How to propagate colocasia Fill the container to three quarters with a peat-free multipurpose compost. Position the corm with the pointed end (or the most rings) facing upwards. Top up the container with more compost, making sure that the tip is just covered. Water in thoroughly and place in a warm spot indoors.
What is the best time to plant elephant ear bulbs?
When to Plant: Elephant ears are planted in spring after any danger of frost has passed. The tubers will not grow until the soil is warm, so don’t plant them until the soil temperature is 65ºF. In northern climates this will be early June.
When should I start my Colocasia bulbs?
Planting instructions for Colocasia bulbs Starting them off in mid-spring in pots indoors is recommend as they’ll already be ahead of the game by the time they are planted out. Choose a container which is approximately 8-10 inches in diameter and with drainage holes in the bottom.
How do you start giant elephant ear bulbs?
Dig a hole so that the top of the bulb is 4 inches deeper than the soil line. Cover with 4 inches of soil. Tubers may be started inside 6-8 weeks before all danger of frost has passed. Plant the tubers individually in 6 inch pots using a good quality potting soil or seed starting soil.
What happens if you plant a bulb upside down?
It will still grow, even if it’s upside-down, although the plant will be unnecessarily stressed and may eventually die if left upside-down. You can always dig up the bulb after it has finished flowering to see which side the leaves have emerged from (that’s the top of the bulb).
Can you grow Colocasia in water?
Gardeners can grow potted Colocasia esculenta cultivars in shallow bodies of water, but other species, such as Colocasia gigantea, need better drainage. Colocasia grow very well as a pond marginal, and when grown in containers, the pots can be submerged slightly during the summer months.
What does it mean to water 1 inch?
An inch of water is a 1-inch deep layer of water over the entire soil surface in question. You can make a rain gauge with a straight-sided container, like a used tuna can. When it’s full to the line, you have your inch of water.
What’s the difference between Alocasia and Colocasia?
The leaves of these plants are the most obvious difference. The stiff leaf stems, or petioles, of Alocasia extend into the leaves. This visual distinction makes it easy to tell these plants apart: If the leaves point up, the plant is probably an Alocasia; if the leaves point down, it’s probably a Colocasia.
Do mammoth elephant ears come back every year?
Most elephant’s ears are perennials and will come back every summer in the Lower, Coastal, and Tropical South. Some are perennials in the lower part of the Middle South. They like the soil to be relatively dry in winter.
How do you overwinter Colocasia?
Cut off the leaves and allow the tubers to dry in a warm dry location for 1 to 2 weeks. Then place the tubers in an open container of vermiculite, peat moss or sawdust. Store in a cool location around 60 degrees. Winter mulch will increase survival for those growing in marginally hardy areas.
How do you care for Colocasia esculenta?
Colocasia Esculenta takes around 7 months to mature, with partial sunlight and temperature ranging from 77 to 95 Degree Fahrenheit (25-35 Degree Celsius). It should be watered regularly as it loves wet soil along with high humidity. Keep the soil moist, rich, and well drained.
How do you grow Colocasia in water?
Press the soil down and around the plant. Cover the top 1/2 inch of the soil surface with pea gravel to keep the soil in the pot. Submerge the plant into the pond at an angle to let bubbles escape. The elephant ear can be grown in a middle area of the pond or on the edge and only partially submerged.
