How to Grow Malanga (Taro) Successfully

Malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), also called taro or yautia, is a tropical root crop grown for its edible corms and nutritious leaves. Resembling ornamental elephant ears, these plants thrive in warm, humid conditions with rich, moist soil.

Planting Guidelines

• Timing: Plant in late spring after soil warms to at least 70°F.
• Depth: Set corms 3–5 inches deep in loose, well-draining soil.
• Spacing: Allow 3–4 feet between plants—they grow large.
• Soil: Amend with compost; malanga loves organic matter.

Care and Harvest

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch heavily to retain moisture. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Corms mature in 9–12 months; harvest when leaves yellow and die back. Both corms (baked, fried, boiled like potatoes) and young leaves (cooked as greens) are edible.

Tip: Source fresh, firm corms from markets catering to Caribbean, Latin American, or Asian communities for best sprouting success.