Eddoe, Taro

[jayb]

I grew Eddoes a few years back and they did really well, plus they make stunning plants to look at, really tropical. Unfortunately I lost my plants, tubers when I forgot to bring them in to overwinter, they do need winter protection or lifting and bringing the corms/tubers (not quite sure which they are?) inside.

I doubt I'd know the difference between eddoes or taro just by looking as they both seem very similar although eddoe plants are meant to be a little more tolerant of cooler weather. I recently put a few eddoe tubers in a bowl with some compost to sprout in the house. Already I've got some baby shoots just starting

[jayb]

I'd forgotten they grow so fast, though being put out in the green house is a bit unkind with the temps as they are!



Not 100% happy but hanging on.

[jayb]

Making progress, still in pots and really need potting on or planting in the greenhouse or polytunnel.

[clumsy]

Those look great. Mine are still putting on roots in the allotment greenhouse. Hopefully will see some leaves soon. Every Time I see your post they inspire me alot. I need to be more organised.

[jayb]

You are lovely to say such things, but really I'm having a mare of a growing season and too would love to be organised... maybe oneday.

I think leaves will start very soon for you, at least the couple I started in the polytunnel earlier on are just showing signs of their first small leaves, but the weather has been quite warm just recently.
Now if only I could get my Turmeric to sprouting I'd be happy. I think it might have been treated with something to stop it growing

[Galina]

This is all very exotic indeed. I would not know where to find a root locally. Have to look in London next time. The plant looks stunning and very architectural leaves. Good luck and also with turmeric. Turmeric is the new 'cure all' and we should eat it a lot. I must show my ignorance again because I only know the yellow powder from the health food shop, not the real thing. I think I must pay an educational visit to a specialist greengrocer's shop. Good luck growing these lovely exotic veg and spices.
If it has been sprayed to stop sprouting, a good wash should hopefully work - works with onions that have been treated with sprout inhibitors.

[jayb]

Sainsbury's can sometimes be quite good for picking up unusual veggies, if you have one around you. I've had taro from them in the past. They are a gorgeous looking plants and I think often grown as a houseplant! Turmeric has an amazing, really quite pungent smell to it when fresh.

Good point about washing them

[Galina]

Thanks about the Sainsbury tip. We only have a mini shop in town and the nearest proper one is 6 miles away - not on our usual shopping route.

[jayb]

Lol, you are so lucky to have shops close by, main supermarkets here start at 15 or so miles!

I found their online shopping gives a good indication if they stock something locally, though I must admit it is a shop I rarely visit.

[clumsy]

Never tried to grow turmeric, Sainsbury did have fresh turmeric in the winter, did buy some but it turns everything yellow when you peel it.

[jayb]

Yes turmeric has an amazing colour which can be a bit of a drawback!

[clumsy]

Taro leaves coming to an end.

[Galina]

Are you going to dig the roots?

[clumsy]

Yes but usually nothing much in the root system. Always get fresh tubers from local shop.