Breaking E.E dormancy???
 

I recently bought Eddoes(Im geussing there colocasia esculenta) from the asian market down the road and I picked ones out that had bumps where the eyes will be .Ive planted them in pots already but I want to know the right way to break there dormancy,do I soak in water fisrt to give them a boost or do what Ive done already.I bought around 15 good size bulbs for under 3.00$ and I plan on buying a banana box full for that price in the spring.There gonna be everywhere!!

Re: Breaking E.E dormancy???
 

I think they will be just fine in the pots they will come out in the spring time there asleep now.

Re: Breaking E.E dormancy???
 

It can take a long time for them to sprout unless the soil temperature is high enough. What I have done is to apply heat and they take off a lot faster. Depending on the temperature they can easily rot. Last year I potted them up and covered with saran wrap placed them under a rubbermaid with a 60 watt light bulb to provide the heat. If you try this please don't cause a fire. A heat mat might work and be a lot safer. I try for 80 degree soil temp. After they have sprouted (one to two weeks) I have placed them upstairs where we have a set back thermostat set at 72 in the mornings and evenings and 62 at nights and during the middle part of the day. In that environment they go almost dormant and grow very slow but it still gives a head start than planting directly outside having to wait for the soil temps to get high enough. Those that I have potted up and put directly in the 72 to 62 room temp have rotted. I originally used this set up to provide bottom heat to seed trays. I realized I could slip a container underneath. I used it last year for EE's and well as caladiums. Here is a picture:

Re: Breaking E.E dormancy???
 

Thanks for the reply,Im going to try some bottom heat and follow your method.What variety of colocasia you have growing around your house there???I like them??thanks again

Re: Breaking E.E dormancy???
 

Thanks Will,

Mine are just the common kind you get at Home Depot or the local garden centers. I presume they are Colocasia esculenta. Mine were all bought as corms. Just add water. Lots of water and they do great.

Michael