Are you growing taro konjac in Idaho, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?
Harvesting taro konjac is not as easy as it seems.
Here’s why:
- Taro Konjac have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.
So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.
Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest taro konjac in Idaho:
- To Learn More About HOW to Grow Taro Konjac, Check Out This GUIDE!
When Do I Harvest Taro Konjac in Idaho?
As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your taro konjac: the physical features of the taro konjac & weather (time).
Harvest Taro Konjac if They Look Like This!!!
The physical features of taro konjac are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.
In general, you should harvest taro konjac if they have the following physical features:
- The entire taro konjac is a solid red color. If the taro konjac is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
- The taro konjac is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
- Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.
Harvest Your Taro Konjac During THIS Time of Year!!!
In general, you should harvest taro konjac:
- 65 to 85 days after starting taro konjac from seed
- 40 to 50 days after planting taro konjac in your garden
- 20 to 30 days after taro konjac first appear
And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your taro konjac before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your taro konjac plant and make your taro konjac inedible.
For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Idaho. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.
Idaho Last & First Frost Dates
It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.
Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.
When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.
- If taro konjac are in pots, bring them inside
- If taro konjac are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
- Pick all taro konjac. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.
If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Idaho, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.