How to Grow Cocoyam at Home in Ho: Easy Taro Planting with Tubers Step-by-Step

Cocoyam, also known as taro, is a delicious and nutritious root crop that’s surprisingly easy to grow at home. Whether you’re planting it in your backyard, a container, or a small garden, cocoyam can thrive with just a little care and the right conditions.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to grow cocoyam from tubers—even if you’re a beginner. Let’s get started!

What is Cocoyam?

Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical plant grown for its starchy underground tubers. It’s widely eaten in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The leaves are also edible when cooked and are often used in soups and stews.

There are two main types:

• Eddoe – smaller tubers, firmer texture.
• Dasheen – larger tubers, softer when cooked (often simply called taro).

What You’ll Need

Before planting, gather the following materials:

• Healthy cocoyam tubers (with visible buds or “eyes”)
• Well-drained soil (loamy or sandy)
• A shovel or hoe
• Watering can or hose
• Optional: container or grow bag (if you’re planting indoors or on a patio)

Step-by-Step: How to Plant Cocoyam at Home

Step 1: Select Good Tubers

Choose mature cocoyam tubers with at least one sprouting bud. Avoid soft or rotten ones. If the tuber has no sprout, place it in a warm, shady place for a few days until buds appear.

Tip: You can buy cocoyam tubers from a local market or nursery.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Cocoyam loves rich, loose, and moist soil. Clear the area of weeds and mix in compost or organic manure to improve fertility.

• Ideal pH: Between 5.5 and 7.0
• Spacing: About 1 to 1.5 feet between plants

Step 3: Plant the Tubers

• Dig holes 4–6 inches deep.
• Place the tuber inside with the bud facing upward.
• Cover lightly with soil and firm it gently.

If using containers, make sure they are at least 12 inches deep and have drainage holes.

Step 4: Water Regularly

Water the soil immediately after planting and keep it consistently moist, but not soggy. Cocoyam is a water-loving plant, especially in the early stages.

Note: Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Step 5: Mulch and Weed

Add mulch (like dry grass or leaves) around the base to:

• Retain moisture
• Prevent weeds
• Improve soil temperature

Remove weeds regularly so they don’t compete with your plants for nutrients.

Step 6: Care and Maintenance

• Sunlight: Cocoyam prefers partial shade but can also grow in full sun.
• Fertilizer: Apply organic fertilizer or compost every few weeks.
• Pest Control: Watch out for leaf spot, aphids, and snails. Neem spray can help control pests naturally.

Harvesting Your Cocoyam

Cocoyam takes 5 to 7 months to mature. You’ll know it’s ready to harvest when:

• The leaves begin to turn yellow and dry out.
• The plant looks mature and stops growing new shoots.

To harvest:

• Use a shovel or fork to carefully dig up the tubers.
• Wash, dry, and store in a cool place.

You can also replant some tubers immediately to continue the cycle.

Bonus: Edible Leaves

Don’t forget—you can also cook the young cocoyam leaves! They’re packed with nutrients and are commonly used in dishes like kontomire stew in Ghana.

Just be sure to boil the leaves well to remove any natural irritants.

Final Thoughts

Growing cocoyam at home is a rewarding experience that brings fresh food right to your doorstep. With just a few tubers, you can start a sustainable cycle of growing and harvesting delicious cocoyam for your meals.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out the full video on our YouTube channel Farm Decor and subscribe for more gardening tips!