Plant elephant ear corms outdoors after your last spring frost, once the weather is warm (Clemson, Iowa State). Up north, give them a head start in pots 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost (Iowa State). Plant corms 2 to 4 inches deep outdoors, or 1 to 2 inches deep in pots (Iowa State), in rich, moist soil and part shade. Elephant ears are root hardy in about zones 8 to 12 (Clemson); elsewhere, dig and store them for winter. In Florida, skip Colocasia esculenta, which UF/IFAS lists as invasive.
"Elephant ears" covers several big-leaved tropical aroids, mainly Colocasia, Alocasia and Xanthosoma (UW-Madison). Clemson's quick way to tell the two most common apart: Colocasia leaves point down, while Alocasia leaves point up. Depending on the kind, plants reach 3 to 10 feet tall (Clemson), though UW-Madison says most garden cultivars stay in the 3 to 5 foot range. They grow from corms, which are often sold as "bulbs" (UW-Madison).
When to plant elephant ears by region
| Area | When to plant elephant ear corms |
|---|---|
| Zones 3 to 6 (the North and Midwest) | Pot corms indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost (Iowa State), or in March (UW-Madison). Plant out after frost once the weather is warm: mid-May in central Iowa (Iowa State), late May or early June in Wisconsin (UW-Madison) |
| Zone 7 | Plant after the last frost. NC State says Colocasia can stay in the ground from zone 7b; colder spots should dig after the first frost |
| Zones 8 to 10 (the South) | Plant corms in spring after the last frost (Clemson). They are root hardy here; mulch them in fall (Clemson) |
| Florida and the Gulf Coast | Choose Alocasia. UF/IFAS says wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) is invasive in Florida and should not be planted, and UW-Madison notes it is invasive along the Gulf Coast |
| Potted plants, any zone | Move outside once nights stay warm and bring them in before temperatures drop into the 30s °F (UW-Madison) |
Our planting calendar shows your average last spring frost. Count back 6 to 8 weeks for an indoor start, and plant outside around the time you set out peppers and sweet potatoes, which also want warm nights (GardenPal suggestion).
How deep and far apart to plant elephant ears
| Elephant ear corms | |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 to 4 in outdoors (Iowa State); 1 to 2 in when potting up indoors (Iowa State). UW-Madison sets the top of the corm close to the soil surface in pots |
| Spacing | Plan for the mature size on the label; NC State gives Colocasia 3 to 6 feet of space, and UW-Madison warns big plants can shade out smaller neighbors |
| Light | Part shade, and many tolerate full sun with enough water (Iowa State). Green-leaved kinds take more sun than dark ones (Clemson), though UW-Madison grows dark-leaved types in full sun |
| Soil | Moist and rich in organic matter (Iowa State, Clemson). Colocasia handles almost boggy soil; Alocasia and Xanthosoma want better drainage but must not dry out (Iowa State) |
| Shelter | The big leaves tear in wind, so pick a protected spot (Iowa State, NC State) |
Watering and feeding
- Water often. Iowa State waters frequently to prevent wilting and yellow leaves. UW-Madison says nearly all kinds suit a pond edge, and many grow in a few inches of standing water.
- Feed regularly. They are heavy feeders (UW-Madison). Iowa State uses a high-nitrogen fertilizer through the season.
- Tidy up. New leaves keep coming all summer; remove older leaves as they die back (UW-Madison).
Elephant ears in containers
Pots are the easiest way to grow elephant ears in cold climates and to keep spreading kinds in check. Clemson recommends a heavy container at least 18 inches wide and deep. Potted plants dry out faster, so check them often in summer (GardenPal note). Clemson warns that corms in containers freeze more easily than corms in the ground, so empty the pot and store the corm, or bring the whole pot indoors before frost.
Overwintering elephant ears
- Warm zones: they are root hardy in zones 8 to 12; mulch the corms well in fall (Clemson). NC State says Colocasia can stay out in zones 7b to 10.
- Colder zones, digging: after frost kills the leaves, cut them back, dig the corms and let them dry for several days (Clemson, UW-Madison).
- Storage: in an open container, lightly covered with dry peat moss, at 45 to 55°F (Clemson). NC State says not below 45°F, using dry wood shavings or peat. Don't let them freeze (Clemson).
- As a houseplant: bring the plant in before nights reach the 30s °F, cut back all but the top two leaves, keep it in bright light and water sparingly until spring (UW-Madison).
Pests, invasiveness and pet safety
NC State says Colocasia has no serious pest problems, while Alocasia can get spider mites, aphids and mealybugs, plus root rot and leaf spot when overwatered. The bigger issue in the South is spread. UF/IFAS says wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) is invasive in Florida and should not be planted, and lists Xanthosoma sagittifolium as a problem species too. It suggests Alocasia such as 'Hilo Beauty' instead, and says never to plant any elephant ear in or near a natural waterway. UW-Madison and NC State note invasive populations along the Gulf Coast. For safety, the ASPCA lists elephant ears as toxic to dogs and cats because of calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. All parts are poisonous raw (NC State), so wear gloves when handling corms (GardenPal suggestion), and call a doctor, poison control or a veterinarian if any is eaten.
Elephant ears around the vegetable garden
A big elephant ear makes a tropical focal point at the end of a bed or in a large patio pot (Clemson). UW-Madison pairs them with cannas, bananas and caladiums. Keep them on the north or east side of sunny crops so their leaves don't shade tomatoes and squash (GardenPal suggestion), and use them in a wet, low spot where vegetables struggle. For other summer bulbs planted after frost, see when to plant caladiums, when to plant cannas and when to plant calla lilies.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant elephant ear bulbs?
Outdoors after your last spring frost, once the weather is warm (Clemson, Iowa State). For bigger plants up north, start corms in pots 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost (Iowa State).
How deep do you plant elephant ear corms?
2 to 4 inches deep outdoors, or 1 to 2 inches deep in pots (Iowa State).
Do elephant ears come back every year?
In about zones 8 to 12 the corms survive in the ground, especially with fall mulch (Clemson). In colder areas, dig them after frost and store them at 45 to 55°F (Clemson).
Do elephant ears like sun or shade?
Part shade suits most, and many tolerate full sun with steady water (Iowa State). Green-leaved kinds handle more sun (Clemson).
Are elephant ears invasive?
Wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) is invasive in Florida and along the Gulf Coast, so UF/IFAS recommends Alocasia there and says never to plant elephant ears near natural waterways.
Are elephant ears poisonous to pets?
Yes. The ASPCA lists elephant ears as toxic to dogs and cats because of calcium oxalate crystals. Call a veterinarian if a pet chews one.
Enter your frost dates to see your last spring frost and time your elephant ear planting.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- Iowa State University Extension, "Planting and caring for tender perennials"
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, "Fun with elephant ears in the garden"
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, "Elephant ears (Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma)"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Colocasia"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Alocasia"
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, "Elephant ears"
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "Elephant ears"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.