Taro (Xiangyu) Planting Methods and Timing Explained

SummaryPlanting time: Taro is generally planted around the Beginning of Spring, from January to March. Planting method: Choose moist soil with good drainage and irrigation conditions, prepare the land by plowing and apply sufficient base fertilizer, sow small taro corms that are free of pests, diseases, and damage at a row spacing of 50cm and a plant spacing of 25cm, then cover with plastic film and build a shed. After emergence, apply farmyard manure 2 times; in summer, an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer can be applied; in the later stage, loosen the soil and remove weeds regularly, and actively prevent and control pests and diseases such as aphids and white grubs.

I. Planting Time

Taro is generally planted around the Beginning of Spring, roughly from January to March. If planted early, it can be harvested in late summer in August, and at the latest in autumn in October.

II. Planting Environment

1. Taro is a water-loving, warmth-loving crop. It is not cold-tolerant and not drought-tolerant, is not suitable for continuous cropping, and is intolerant of waterlogging. It grows best at a temperature of about 26°C. If the temperature is higher than 26°C or lower than 12°C, the normal growth of taro will be affected.

2. Taro should be planted on land with good drainage and irrigation conditions and relatively moist soil. After selecting the planting site, prepare the land by plowing, then apply sufficient base fertilizer. Per mu, a mixture of ternary compound fertilizer and ash-and-miscellaneous fertilizer can be applied evenly together; note that the ash-and-miscellaneous fertilizer must be fully decomposed before use.

III. Sowing and Building Sheds

1. Taro is usually sown in spring. If the local climate and temperature are relatively low, sowing can be postponed until after Qingming Festival. If plastic film is used to cover the soil after sowing, sowing should be done around the Beginning of Spring. The sowing rate is about 200 jin per mu.

2. Before sowing, select small taro corms that are free of pests and diseases, undamaged, and of no economic value for sowing. Before sowing, prepare the field beds well. The row spacing between furrows should be about 50cm, and the spacing between plants should be about 25cm. After sowing, cover with plastic film.

3. After emergence, build sheds. To prevent them from being blown down by strong winds, every 4-5 support poles of each shed should have their tops tied tightly with rope.

IV. Later-Stage Management

1. After emergence, apply farmyard manure 2 times. Taro grows relatively fast in summer. To promote the rapid growth of taro corms, an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer can be applied. To improve air permeability between taro plants and increase yield and quality, loosen the soil and remove weeds regularly, and remove all side vines and central leaves.

2. In addition, pests and diseases should be prevented in advance during the growing period. Common pests include aphids and white grubs. During corm enlargement and leaf growth, water promptly. In rainy seasons, drain promptly to prevent waterlogging damage.

V. Harvesting and Storage

1. Taro is generally harvested in autumn and winter. Simply pull the mature taro out of the ground, then store the larger, well-developed taro corms, while the less well-developed ones can be kept as seed corms for sowing next time.

2. After all harvesting is complete, there is no rush to bring them to market. They can be stored over winter. First cover the taro layer by layer with soil to a height not exceeding 1m. Be sure to maintain moisture and ventilation; it should not be too dry. In this way, they can be stored for a long time without rotting.