Many people report problems breaking dormancy with Colocasias bought as dormant tubers. The reason (sadly) is that most of the tubers are dead when planted as they have completely dried out during too many months of storage overwinter at the bulb sellers. I have received several myself this year that were ordered from reputable suppliers but were completely desiccated and dead upon arrival. I am in the process of growing several Colocasias from tubers this summer so will bring you some new Colocasia videos in the autumn of 2024 that will show you what live tubers look like and how to grow them in cooler climates.
Yes, the ones sold for eating can be grown BUT they are the green leaved varieties, although still nice looking plants. I will make a video on the green leaf variety next season.
Sadly, far too many of the tubers being sold by bulb merchants are dead. They are stored too long, and too dry and completely dry up. I'd suggest digging each tuber up and see if there is any sign of root growth or a shoot developing. If no roots or shoot emerging, scrape the outer skin and and take a small nick out of the tuber with a sharp knife. It should be cream in colour and quite firm, something like the flesh of an apple. If its dry, spongy and brown then the tuber is dead. If any tubers are the right colour, they will need a fair deal of heat to get them started. Place in a greenhouse if you have one or in the warmest spot you can find such as a south facing window in direct sun or even an airing cupboard or close to a hot water boiler / tank. The tubers do not mind direct sun and they do not need light to sprout. Keep them just moist (but not soaking wet) at all times and check for sprouting every few days. I hope you have some that are still viable!
Many people report problems breaking dormancy with Colocasias bought as dormant tubers. The reason (sadly) is that most of the tubers are dead when planted as they have completely dried out during too many months of storage overwinter at the bulb sellers. I have received several myself this year that were ordered from reputable suppliers but were completely desiccated and dead upon arrival. I am in the process of growing several Colocasias from tubers this summer so will bring you some new Colocasia videos in the autumn of 2024 that will show you what live tubers look like and how to grow them in cooler climates.
I am indigenous Montagnard live in NC I plated taros bulbs bought at Asian market they grown well in wet I like to plants edible taros I can eat
Yes, the ones sold for eating can be grown BUT they are the green leaved varieties, although still nice looking plants. I will make a video on the green leaf variety next season.
I purchased 7 tubers and planted them over a month ago and so far NOTHING.
Sadly, far too many of the tubers being sold by bulb merchants are dead. They are stored too long, and too dry and completely dry up. I'd suggest digging each tuber up and see if there is any sign of root growth or a shoot developing. If no roots or shoot emerging, scrape the outer skin and and take a small nick out of the tuber with a sharp knife. It should be cream in colour and quite firm, something like the flesh of an apple. If its dry, spongy and brown then the tuber is dead. If any tubers are the right colour, they will need a fair deal of heat to get them started. Place in a greenhouse if you have one or in the warmest spot you can find such as a south facing window in direct sun or even an airing cupboard or close to a hot water boiler / tank. The tubers do not mind direct sun and they do not need light to sprout. Keep them just moist (but not soaking wet) at all times and check for sprouting every few days. I hope you have some that are still viable!
@@plantwithmatt Thanks, I am going to check each one today. We have 90 degree heat and I do keep them WET so will see if they are alive, or not.