Which End Is Up? Planting Mammoth Elephant Ear Bulbs Correctly

Identifying Top vs. Bottom

• Bottom (root end): Concentric circles, often with a small central “nipple” or bump — this is where roots emerge.
• Top (growing point): Cut flat or slightly concave — this is where the shoot emerges.

Planting Steps

1. Wait until soil is 65°F+ (after May 1 in Illinois).
2. Dig hole 6–8 inches deep.
3. Place bulb circles down, flat end up.
4. Cover with 5–6 inches of soil.
5. Water thoroughly; keep consistently moist.

Summer Care

• Full sun to part shade.
• Heavy feeder — fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.
• Never let dry out; these are wetland plants.

Winter Storage (Zone 5)

After frost, dig, cure 1–2 weeks warm/dry, store in peat at 45–50°F. Replant next spring.