How to Pollinate Giant Taro Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Giant taro is a popular tropical plant known for its large leaves and edible corms. The plant can grow up to six feet tall and thrives in warm, humid climates. However, to get the most out of your giant taro plant, you need to know how to pollinate it effectively.

Pollination is a crucial step in the reproduction of plants. It is the process of transferring pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part to fertilize the ovules and produce seeds. Without pollination, plants cannot reproduce and will eventually die out.

Why Should You Pollinate Your Giant Taro Plant?

Pollinating your giant taro plant can increase your yield significantly. When the plant is pollinated, it produces more corms, which are the edible part of the plant. Pollination also ensures that the plant will continue to grow and reproduce in the future.

How to Pollinate Your Giant Taro Plant

There are two main methods of pollinating giant taro plants: natural pollination and hand pollination.

Natural Pollination

Natural pollination occurs when bees or other insects visit the flowers of your giant taro plant. Bees are attracted to the bright colors and sweet scent of the flowers and will transfer pollen from one flower to another as they collect nectar.

To encourage natural pollination, you should plant your giant taro near other flowering plants that attract bees. You should also avoid using pesticides that could harm bees and other beneficial insects.

Hand Pollination

Hand pollination is a more reliable method of pollinating your giant taro plant, especially if you have a small garden or live in an area with few bees. With hand pollination, you transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers by hand.

To hand-pollinate your giant taro plant, follow these steps:

1. Identify the male and female flowers on your plant. The male flowers have a long, thin stalk called a spadix, while the female flowers have a round or oblong structure called a spathe.

2. Wait until the male flowers are fully mature and producing pollen. You can tell that the flowers are ready when they start to shed pollen.

3. Collect the pollen from the male flowers by gently tapping the spadix over a container.

4. Transfer the pollen to the female flowers by gently dusting it onto the stigma, which is located in the center of the spathe.

5. Repeat this process for several days to ensure that all of the female flowers are pollinated.

Tips for Successful Pollination

To ensure successful pollination of your giant taro plant, follow these tips:

• Choose healthy plants with good flower production.
• Water your plant regularly to keep it healthy and hydrated.
• Avoid windy or rainy conditions when hand-pollinating.
• Try to pollinate in the morning when the flowers are most receptive.
• Be patient and persistent. It may take several attempts to achieve good pollination.

FAQ

How often should I pollinate my giant taro plant?

You should pollinate your giant taro plant as often as possible during its flowering period, which can last several weeks.

Can I use a paintbrush to hand-pollinate my giant taro plant?

Yes, you can use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers.

How can I tell if my giant taro plant has been successfully pollinated?

If your giant taro plant has been successfully pollinated, you will see small fruit developing on the spadix of the female flowers. These fruits will eventually grow into corms that you can harvest and eat.

Can I eat the flowers of my giant taro plant?

Yes, you can eat the flowers of your giant taro plant, but they are not as commonly eaten as the corms. The flowers have a mild flavor and can be boiled or sautéed like other vegetables.