As a horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I can ply you with detailed information on when to set elephant pinna . Elephant ear , also roll in the hay as Colocasia or Taro , are tropic plants that are commonly grown for their big , ornamental leave of absence . The ideal time to plant elephant auricle is during the outpouring , after all risk of frost has decease . This is normally when the temperatures commence to warm up up and the soil has become workable .

If you want to get a header start on growing elephant ears , you could start them indoors about 4 - 6 weeks before the modal last frost day of the month in your region . This can give them a jumpstart and allow them to grow potent roots before being implant alfresco . To bulge out them indoors , you may inseminate the seeds in pots or tray occupy with a well - drain potting mixture . Place the pots in a warm location with brilliant , indirect light . Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged , and germination should come within a mates of calendar week .

Once the danger of hoarfrost has run and the temperatures have warm up , you could transplant the elephant ears outdoors . Choose a locating that receive full sun to partial shade , as these flora thrive in bright , collateral luminosity . The soil should be rich , prolific , and well - draining . If your soil is heavy or Lucius Clay - like , you may amend it with organic subject such as compost or well - moulder manure to improve drainage and fertility .

When planting elephant ears , dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant . Place the plant in the hole , making sure the top of the base ball is plane with the grunge surface . Backfill the hole with dirt , gently tauten it around the industrial plant to eliminate any air pocket . Water the newly planted elephant pinna exhaustively to settle the soil around the theme .

It ’s crucial to note that elephant ear are tropical plants and are not frost - tolerant . Therefore , it ’s crucial to wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting them alfresco . In some regions , this may be as late as other summertime . plant them too early can result in impairment or dying of the plant if they are scupper to frost or moth-eaten temperature .

In my personal experience , I have found that planting elephant auricle in late leap or early summertime has leave in the best growth and overall achiever . The warmer temperatures and longer daytime during this time of twelvemonth provide optimal condition for these tropic plants to thrive . However , it ’s always a upright idea to check the specific testimonial for your region and adapt your planting docket accordingly .

To sum up , elephant capitulum can be planted from spring ( after all danger of frost has passed ) through early summertime . Starting them indoors before the last frost date can give them a fountainhead offset , but they can also be plant directly in the background once the temperature have warm up up . Remember to opt a sunny to part shaded position with well - draining , fertile soil for the best results . felicitous gardening !

Caroline Bates