flying summary
Elephant ear industrial plant ( Colocasia spp . ) are tropic and subtropical beauty that add an exotic touch to any garden . Their massive , arrow - shaped farewell create astunning backdropfor other plants , while theirunderground bulbs providea valuable source of starch . Harvesting elephant ear bulbs is a rewarding experience that allows you to propagate your own plants and enjoy the benefits of thisversatile veg . This comprehensive guidebook will take the air you through the entire process , from selecting the right-hand time to harvest to decent stack away your bulbs .
Choosing the Perfect Harvest Time
Theoptimal timeto harvest time elephant ear bulbs is in the fall , after the first icing has killed back the foliage . This is when the bulbs have attain their maximum size of it and are filled with nutrients . If you live in a frost - loose climate , you could harvest the bulbs in the spring or former summer .
Preparing for the Harvest
Before youbegin harvesting , it ’s important to prepare your tools and materials . You will need :
Step-by-Step Harvesting Instructions
1 . Dig Around the Plant : cautiously dig around the base of theelephant ear plant life , preserve the spade or ramify about 6 inches from the stem turn . forfend damaging the bulbs.2 . Lift the industrial plant : Once you have savvy around the plant life , gently liftit out of the ground . escape from off any supererogatory soil.3 . withdraw the Foliage : veer off the foliation at the base of the plant , leaving only the bulbs.4 . single out the Bulbs : Theelephant auricle plantwill have severalbulbs attachedto the base of the stem . cautiously separate the light bulb by hand.5 . Clean the Bulbs : wash the bulbs with water to polish off any remaining soil.6 . Trim the Roots : utilise a tongue or shears to trim any foresightful or damaged root .
Storing Elephant Ear Bulbs
Once you have harvested theelephant ear bulbs , it ’s important to store them properly to ensure their viability .
Replanting Elephant Ear Bulbs
In the bound , when the soil has warm up up , you may replant the elephant ear bulbs .
Harvesting Elephant Ear Corms for Consumption
In addition to the bulb , elephant ear plantsalsoproduce edible corms . Corms are modest , potato - similar structures that grow at the base of the plant.1 . drudge Up the Plant : Dig up theelephant ear plantin the downfall , after the foliage has pall back.2 . take away the corm : The corms will be attached to the floor of the plant . Carefully remove them by hand.3 . Clean the Corms : Rinse the corm with pee to off any remaining soil.4 . Prepare the Corms : strip the corms and slit them into thin slices.5 . Cook the Corms : Elephant ear corms can be boiled , steamed , or fry . They have amild flavorand can be used in a miscellany of dish .
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q : Can Iharvest elephant ear bulbsif I live in a moth-eaten climate?A : Yes , you canharvest elephant ear bulbsincold clime . labour up the bulb in the fall and store them indoors in a cool , dark place . Replant the bulb in the spring after the last frost . Q : How long can I store elephant ear bulbs?A : Elephant ear bulbscan be stored for up to 6 months in a cool , disconsolate place . Q : Can I replant elephant ear corms?A : Yes , you canreplant elephant ear corm . Plant the corm in the springiness , after the last frost . Q : Are elephant spike corms poisonous?A : The corms ofelephant ear plantsare not venomous . However , the leaf and stems of the plant containcalcium oxalate crystals , which can make irritation if ingested . Q : Can I eat on elephant ear leaves?A : The leaves ofelephant ear plantsare nottypically eaten . However , they can be cooked and rust in small quantities .
