Taro's Corms and Leaves Are Toxic Raw — Cooking Is Not Optional
Taro, arbi, shares its genus with the ornamental elephant ear, and every part of the plant genuinely contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation if eaten raw, meaning thorough cooking is a firm requirement rather than a matter of preference before the corms or leaves are safe to eat, a real and serious distinction from most vegetables on this site that can be eaten raw or cooked interchangeably. This raw toxicity is the same underlying issue that affects the purely ornamental elephant ear grown for its leaves, underlining that the two plants share more than just a family resemblance.
📅 Month-by-Month Growing Calendar
When to sow, grow, and rest — by Indian season.
Taro (Arbi) — Annual Calendar for India
Jan
●
Feb
★
Mar
●
Apr
◐
May
✕
Jun
✕
Jul
✕
Aug
✕
Sep
◐
Oct
★
Nov
★
Dec
●
★ Peak
● Good
◐ Caution
✕ Avoid
🗺️ State-wise Growing Conditions
North India
Delhi · UP · Punjab
Good year-round. Delhi winters are ideal.
✅ Very Good
South India
Karnataka · Kerala · Tamil Nadu
Excellent. Kerala humidity boosts foliage growth.
✅ Excellent
West India
Maharashtra · Goa
Good year-round. Mumbai humidity benefits foliage.
✅ Very Good
East India
West Bengal · Odisha
Outstanding. Natural humidity = lush growth.
✅ Excellent
Northeast
Assam · Meghalaya
Best in India for shade-loving plants.
🏆 Outstanding
Hills
Himachal · Sikkim · Nilgiris
Excellent in mild hill stations. Frost protection needed.
✅ Very Good
💧 Watering Schedule
| Season | Months | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer | Mar–Jun | Daily or every 2 days | Morning; mulch pot surface |
| 🌧️ Monsoon | Jul–Sep | Every 2 days | Reduce on heavy rain days |
| 🍂 Post-Monsoon | Oct–Nov | Every 2 days | Keep consistently moist |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec–Feb | Every 2–3 days | Best season — maintain moisture |
🌱 Quick Care Guide
- 🌱 Soil: Rich: 40% compost + 30% potting soil + 20% cocopeat + 10% perlite.
- 💧 Water: Keep consistently moist. Daily in summer. Every 2 days in winter.
- ☀️ Sun: Minimum 6 hours direct sun. Less = fewer fruits.
- 🌿 Fertilizer: Every 2 weeks. Switch to phosphorus-rich feed when flowers appear.
- 🏗️ Support: Stake tomatoes and chillies. Trellis for climbing veg.
⚠️ Common Problems & Fixes
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No fruit set | Pollination failure | Hand-pollinate with paintbrush · Grow outdoors |
| Yellow leaves | Nitrogen deficiency or overwatering | Apply vegetable fertilizer · Check drainage |
| Wilting despite watering | Root rot | Reduce water · Repot in draining mix |
| Blossom drop | Heat stress above 38°C | Shade 12–3pm · Water more frequently |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum 10-12 inch Pot. Larger = more roots = more fruit. Grow bags are ideal: they drain excellently and air-prune roots. Never go smaller.
Pollination failure — fewer insects on balconies. Hand-pollinate by brushing pollen between flowers with a soft paintbrush each morning.
Vermicompost as fertilizer. Neem oil spray every 10 days for pests. Banana peel tea for potassium. Marigolds as companion plants.
October–November is prime across India. Post-monsoon soil is hydrated, weather cools, and Nov–Mar growing season is ahead.
More Dwarf Fruits & Veg Plants
Browse All Dwarf Fruits & Veg Plants
Complete collection with filters by season and state