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When to Plant Elephant Ears in South Florida

Plants in the genera Alocasia, Xanthosoma and Colocasia use "elephant ear" as a common name. This is because they all produce humongous, elephant-like leaves that easily reach 2 to 3 feet long. If you live in South Florida, you have the perfect climate to grow any one of these elephant ear plants. When to plant your elephant ears depends on several factors, including your particular purpose for such plants, gardening habits and climate.

  1. Elephant Ears -- Alocasia

    • According to the University of Florida, elephant ears in the genus Alocasia can be planted year-round in climates where they are hardy. They are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. For gardeners who don't water their plants as often as they should, consider planting elephant ears in June -- just as the rainy season begins in South Florida. These plants prefer moist soil conditions. Note that unlike other elephant ear roots, Alocasia tubers are poisonous, not edible.

    Elephant Ears -- Xanthosoma

    • Elephants ears in the genus Xanthosoma are hardy in USDA zones 8 though 11, and are often grown from their edible tubers. Like other elephant ears in South Florida, they can be planted any time of the year. However, if you are growing them to harvest their tubers in zone 10 -- where winter low temperatures can dip as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit -- plant them in February after the last average hard frost or freeze. This way, they have the nine to 10 months of good weather they need to mature before harvesting.

    Elephant Ears -- Colocasia

    • First of all, do not plant the species Colocasia esculenta, also known as wild taro, because it is invasive in Florida. Other elephant ears in the genus Colocasia are suitable for the state because they are less invasive species. Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, these elephant ears can be planted any time of year. Like other elephant ears, they thrive in wet soil. So, if you plant them in June just as the rainy season starts, you'll give them the moisture they need to become well established in the garden.

    Elephant Ears -- Growing Tips

    • In general, don't plant elephant ears near water sources where they can become invasive. Do grow elephant ears in a protected area; their large leaves easily damage in strong winds, common in coastal areas. Also, it's usually best to grow all types of elephants ears in filtered sunlight, morning sun or partial sun so the leaves do not get sun scorched. Keep the soil on the moist side year round.

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