Elephant ear bulbs (Colocasia) should be planted about 4 to 6 inches deep in the soil, with the bigger bulbs planted deeper within this range. The top of the bulb should be about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface to allow proper growth and moisture access. When planting, ensure the growing tips or sprouts face upward, and the root side faces downward. Space the bulbs 2 to 6 feet apart depending on the variety, as these plants can grow quite large, often reaching at least 4 feet wide
. In summary:
- Plant depth: 4 to 6 inches deep, with the bulb top about 1-2 inches below soil surface
- Orientation: sprouts up, roots down
- Spacing: 2 to 6 feet apart depending on variety
- Soil: well-drained, rich in organic matter, kept consistently moist
This depth provides enough soil coverage to protect the bulb while allowing shoots to emerge easily and roots to establish well