Colocasia esculenta

Description

These Colocasia are grown for their large and showy foliage. Colocasia Esculenta will produce lovely arching stems of pendulous greenish-white flowers which are then followed by blackish berries in the autumn. They are not totally hardy but in milder winters Colocasia Esculenta will possibly survive outside, especially if the soil is free draining and they are mulched well over the winter.

They are clump forming perennials and respond to a regular watering and feeding by putting on significant growth. Plant with the top of bulb 10cm below the soil surface in a shady spot in soils that are humus rich and are free draining. Do not plant in direct sunlight but they do like a lot of light for foliage development. During the growing period remove the dead leaves to encourage further leaf growth. If grown in containers over winter in a frost free spot.

Cultivation Instructions

Indoor Planting: Colocasia work really well when grown in containers and can be left indoors all season long.

Outdoor Planting: They are clump forming perennials and respond to a regular watering and feeding by putting on significant growth. Plant with the top of bulb 10cm below the soil surface in a shady spot in soils that are humus rich and are free draining. Do not plant in direct sunlight but they do like a lot of light for foliage development. During the growing period remove the dead leaves to encourage further leaf growth. If grown in containers over winter in a frost free spot.

Feed with bone meal or similar during the flowering period to ensure they remain health for years to come. Plant in areas that are not exposed to the worst of the elements and in soils that have not been freshly manured. Regularly feed during the growing season with foods such as well rotted manures, Tomato feed and bone meal.

Care tips:

Keep well fed during the growing season and if possible mulch borders with well rotted manure or compost over the winter.

Growing information

Flowering Height: 24-36″ (60-90cm)

Flowering period: Leaves from July onwards.

Soil type: Rich well drained soil.

Aspect: Sheltered site in semi shade to full sun, a strong grower.

Soil Types: Free draining, humus rich soils in a shady spot. Ph 5.5 to 7

Aspect: Shady spots out of direct sunlight.

Scented: N/A

Planting Depth: 10cms

Spacing: 50cms.

Full growing instructions provided