When to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs for Big, Lush Foliage All Season Long

Elephant ears are fast-growing, versatile plants that bring color and texture to your yard. They can be grown both indoors and outside—but it's important to consider timing.

Planting elephant ears at the right time will ensure that they thrive. So when should you start these bulbs, and when should you move them outside? We spoke with gardening experts to get to the bottom of it.

When to Plant

Elephant ears can be started indoors. "In north central states, we typically start the bulbs indoors about eight weeks before the last frost date," says Laura Irish-Hanson, horticulture educator at the University of Minnesota. You may need grow lights while they're inside, as the light coming in from windows might not be strong enough.

You should only move elephant ear plants outside once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has started to warm. "Soil temperatures should be about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, since cooler soil can slow growth," says Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist at Flowerbulb.eu.

Why Timing Is Important

You don't want to start elephant ears indoors too early, so make sure you know your last frost date, and plan accordingly.

"They need warm temperatures and higher humidity to thrive," says Irish-Hanson. "If we start them too soon, the plants can quickly become a burden as they continue to grow—and we generally have dry air conditions in homes during the winter months."

It's important to wait until the soil has warmed outside as well—doing so will help elephant ears grow much faster. "You'll be surprised how fast they grow!" says Montgomery.

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How to Plant

When you start elephant ear bulbs indoors, make sure you're following the proper steps. Montgomery suggests the following:

1. Plant tubers in a pot that's several inches wider than the bulb.
2. Choose a container with drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix.
3. Place the bulb 1 inch below the soil surface.
4. Keep the soil moist in a warm location until growth begins.

Over time, Irish Hanson recommends increasing their exposure to light, wind, and drier soil conditions, so they'll be acclimated to outdoor conditions. "Make sure the garden bed has great drainage," she says. Plant the bulbs at the same depth that they were growing in the pot.

Care Instructions

Once you've moved your elephant ear bulbs to the garden, keep them consistently moist and fertilize them regularly throughout the growing season. "Be patient, as leaves may take three to eight weeks to emerge depending on warmth and moisture," says Montgomery.