How to Get Elephant Ears to Make Bulbs
Elephant Ears are tropical looking plants that have large leaves. They are grown from tuberous bulbs and can reach a height of up to 5 feet. Elephant Ears thrive in hot, moist climates and can be grown in partial sun or shade. These bulbs can be mulched well and left to overwinter in the ground if you live in the southern states of zones 8 through 10. In all other zones they must be stored in a cool, dry place for the winter. Here is how to get Elephant Ears to make bulbs and multiply. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Elephant Ear bulbs
- Shovel
- Organic compost
- Warm water
- Mulch
- Organic plant food
Instructions
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Planting
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1
Plant your Elephant Ears in the late spring after the soil has warmed. Choose the spot where you wish to plant. Elephant Ears need plenty of moisture and good drainage. You will need about 3 feet of space around each bulb.
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2
Prepare the chosen spot by digging it up and mixing in compost to ensure healthy growth. Plant the Elephant Ears with the blunt ends down. The top of the bulb should be about 2 inches below the earth's surface.
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3
Water the bulbs with warm water and cover them with mulch. Feed the Elephant Ears every 2 to 3 weeks with an organic plant food.
Winter Storage
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4
In fall, when temperatures drop below 50 degrees, or after the Elephant Ears' leaves turn yellow and die off, carefully dig up the bulbs.
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5
Brush excess soil from the bulbs and let them dry out for a few days.
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6
Store the Elephant Ear bulbs in a cool, dry place until spring. Bulbs that have multiplied can be separated in spring at planting time.
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Tips & Warnings
Always use warm water, not cold, for Elephant Ears. They love to be kept warm and moist.
Do not plant Elephant Ear bulbs too early in the spring, or leave them in the ground too long into fall. Cool temperatures promote rot.
Keep bulbs dry during winter storage, as moisture will encourage fungus to grow.
