posted
Does anyone grow elephant ears? I just picked up some HUGE bulbs at WalMart , and have read conflicting info on where they will grow here in zone 6 . Some say it needs shade, and some say it can take full day sun. Most say it needs a lot of water.
How about full sun, morning to mid-day?
Anyone? Thanks...
* * * * Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???" Plants: 17066 | From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
| Seeded: 67.84.52.196
I live in zone 5,that should be close enough for comparison.
I grow them on the north side of my house.They get sun until about noon.They do like regular water.In the summer I water once a week if we don't get any rain.
They must be dug up in the fall and stored over winter.I've been using the same three bulbs for 4 years. And they do multiply,if you want to bother with the little ones.
posted
Yes,potting them up.I didn't even think of that. I start mine in pots the middle of March. In my zone I can plant them on May 1st.I take them out and plant them in the soil. But you certainly can leave them in pots.Lots of folks grow them that way. I choose not to because you'll have to water much more often.
I luv potted plants and hanging baskets.But in the high heat of summer, my rule of thumb is,if it doesn't rain ,you need to water them.
It can get very time consuming.Bet you knew that. Thought I would add it for other folks.I wish someone would have told me.
posted
Here in zone 6b/7a I leave mine in the ground and cover with mulch...they come back bigger every year. I have mine in part shade...the more sun they get the more water they need. Elelphant Ears will actually grow in water, so they make nice pond plants.
posted
I'm going to try that Alankhart. I'm in zone 6b also. That would be one less chore, not having to dig them up and then pot them in the spring. How much mulch and what kind do you use?
* * * * Terry
May the force be with you Plants: 1370 | From: Copper Hill, Virginia | Registered: Apr 2004
| Seeded: 207.69.139.142
posted
I use about 3" of hardwood mulch, but I think any type of mulch will do.....whatever you like best. You should also plant them rather deep, leaving at least 6" from the top of the bulb to the top of the soil. Happy growing!
posted
Here in north west alabama I mulch them with pine straw (2") and those things have gone crazy! The bulbs are planted under deck stairs in the shade, the ears grow out into the sun. They are planted at the west side of my home so they get the hottest sun of the day. The leaves sometimes wilt a little bit but no harm. They have been planted for only 3 years and I have had to seperate them already. To be honest I think I could get away without mulching here. But play it safe. Good luck.
Plants: 13 | From: Jasper, Alabama | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 71.8.48.53
login | 
| 
| 
![[dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
I just picked up some HUGE bulbs at WalMart ![[grin]](graemlins/grinnnn.gif)
, and have read conflicting info on where they will grow here in zone 6 ![[nutz]](graemlins/nutz.gif)
. Some say it needs shade, and some say it can take full day sun. Most say it needs a lot of water.
![[wayey]](graemlins/wavey.gif)
Hi Lynne,![[flower]](graemlins/flower.gif)
duckie
![[thumb]](graemlins/thumb.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
Yes,potting them up.I didn't even think of that.
Printer-friendly view of this garden