Expert: C.L. Fornari - 3/31/2009

Question
Hello C.I. Fornari,

I have a question about a plant called elephant ears.  I planted 4 bulbs and I think that I planted them on the wrong side.  Will they still grow?  I was looking on You-tube which was what I should have done before I planted them and this lady showed the side that should have been planted up.  I am pretty sure that I planted it the way you would plant an onion, with the pointed side sticking up.

I can replant if I need to. It's just been a couple of days.

Thak you for your time.

Vicki

Answer
Vicki,
I have always planted my elephant ears with the pointy side up - sometimes it's hard to tell what is "up" and if that is the case look for three or so "dimples" sort of like the spots on the top of a coconut shell. If you are unsure if you've planted them correctly, wait a week or two and then dig one up. It should have a sprout or at least some swollen numbs where the growth has started, and those should be on the top.  If the bulb has just started to produce growth and roots you won't harm it by going on a "fact-finding mission" in another two weeks. You don't mention where you are, but hopefully you live where it's warm outside right now if the bulbs are planted outdoors, or you have started them indoors if the temps are still going below 50 degrees at night. These plants like warm soil!

all the best,
C.L.