Alocasia or Colocasia are both called Elephant ears. They are from the Araceae family and are giant, leafy, tropical plants that make a bold statement in your garden or in a container planting. Their large heart-shaped leaves come in a variety of green shades to nearly black. They are annuals for our area.
Photo courtesy of Heather from Fridley
You can get started early:
- Plant your bulb(s) indoors 8 weeks before our last frost date, May 15th.
- Warm soil is necessary for development.
- Roots will develop after several weeks.
- Once shoots emerge, give the plant plenty of light. Grow lights are beneficial.
- Elephant Ear should be ready to transplant outdoors in late May.
- Harden the plant off, gradually adapting it to sun and wind before setting it in your garden.
- Plant in rich, moist soil in a part sun location.
- Plant the top of the bulb 3 to 4 inches deep into the soil.
- Once planted and actively growing, continue to water and fertilize with an all-purpose Gertens fertilizer.
- The bulb can be harvested late in the season and overwintered.
- Dig the bulb out gently, not damaging the bulb. Lightly clean off the soil.
- Let it alone in a warm area to dry for about a week.
- Wrap the bulb in paper and store in a cool, dry place.
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!
