Jack’s giant elephant ear plant (Colocasia esculenta ‘Jack’s Giant’) lives up to its name, producing absolutely massive leaves that make a bold statement in gardens and landscapes. This tropical plant is known for its supersized foliage and impressive height, easily dwarfing most other ornamentals. Read on to learn more about growing jack’s giant elephant ears and enjoying their tropical effects.

Overview of Jack’s Giant Elephant Ears

Jack’s giant is an elephant ear cultivar that was introduced by the Marlboro Bulb Company, who obtained it from Costa Rica. It likely arose as a genetic mutation producing triploid cells and larger-than-normal plant structures. The most noticeable feature is the enormous leaf size with leaves reaching up to 4 feet long and 3 feet wide. Despite the huge leaves jack’s giant grows just as easily and vigorously as other elephant ears.

Mature jack’s giant elephant ear plants reach heights of 6-8 feet tall. Their optimal growing zones are 7-10, performing best in hot humid climates but also overwintering in zone 7 with sufficient mulch. They thrive in full sun to partial shade exposure. Jack’s giant works well as a backdrop plant, dominating borders and beds with its bold tropical effects.

How to Grow Jack’s Giant Elephant Ears

Soil preparation Jack’s giant prefers loose, humus-rich soil with abundant moisture and nutrients. Add compost, peat moss, and organic fertilizer to planting beds before installing the tubers The soil should drain freely while retaining moisture

Planting: Plant elephant ear tubers after the last frost date, when soil temperatures reach 60°F. Plant the tubers 6-12 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting.

Care: Provide regular irrigation, especially during hot and dry periods. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Stake larger plants to prevent toppling. Pinch or prune to control size as needed.

Overwintering: In zones 7-10, jack’s giant can be overwintered by cutting back foliage after the first frost. Mulch the roots with 6-12 inches of shredded leaves or straw to prevent freezing. In colder zones, dig up tubers and store indoors over winter.

Pest and diseases: Elephant ears are rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Ensure adequate spacing for airflow to prevent fungal issues. Slugs may chew holes in leaves.

Propagation: Divide tubers when overcrowded, or start new plants from offsets. Elephant ears also propagate readily from seed.

Hardiness zones: 7-10

Tips for Growing Large, Healthy Elephant Ears

• Rich soil with ample moisture produces the largest leaves and tallest plants. Amend planting beds with organic matter.

• Site elephant ears in full sun to partial shade. They tolerate full shade but grow more slowly.

• Give elephant ears plenty of room for good air circulation at least 2-3 feet between plants.

• Fertilize regularly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release granular fertilizer.

• Pinch off any discolored leaves to keep plants looking healthy. Remove spent flowers.

• Mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Replenish mulch as needed.

• Stake plants over 3 feet tall to prevent toppling, especially in windy areas.

Using Jack’s Giant Elephant Ear as an Ornamental Plant

Thanks to their bold, architectural appearance, elephant ears make excellent accent plants in gardens and landscapes. Jack’s giant offers an even bigger impact.

• Use as a border or edging plant along walkways, fences and foundations. Allow at least 2 feet space between plants.

• Plant in rows or clusters for a lush tropical look. Group with cannas or bananas.

• Feature as a dramatic background for shorter flowers and foliage plants.

• Grow elephant ears in containers on decks, patios or near pools. Choose oversized pots.

• Underplant elephant ears with shade-loving ground covers like hosta.

• Highlight elephant ears by up-lighting at night for striking effects.

• Cut leaves and use indoors in floral arrangements. The huge leaves are ideal for bold, exotic arrangements.

Varieties of Elephant Ears

Many Colocasia esculenta cultivars are available beyond jack’s giant:

• Black Magic has nearly black leaves and red stems. It reaches 4-5 feet tall.

• Black Sapphire or Sapphire Sunrise have purple-black foliage. They grow 5-6 feet tall.

• Coffee Cups is more compact at 3-4 feet tall, with dark leaves and white veins.

• Fontanesii has silver-green leaves with dark veining. It matures at 4-6 feet tall.

• Mojito has lime green and black leaves with vivid pink stems. It grows 5 feet tall.

• Nancy’s Revenge has dark purple leaves with chartreuse veins. It reaches 5-6 feet tall.

• Pink China has lime green leaves with prominent pink veins. It grows 5-6 feet tall.

• Thailand Giant reaches heights over 8 feet tall with 2-foot wide green leaves.

FAQs About Growing Jack’s Giant Elephant Ears

What are elephant ears used for?

Elephant ears are grown as ornamental foliage plants. They provide exotic, tropical effects in gardens, landscapes, pool areas and containers. The leaves can also be cut and used in floral arrangements.

How big do elephant ear plants get?

Jack’s giant elephant ear plants are the largest, reaching 8 feet tall and producing 4-foot long leaves. Most elephant ear varieties grow 5-7 feet tall with leaves 2-3 feet long. Tiny dwarf cultivars mature at just 1-2 feet.

Do elephant ears come back every year?

In zones 7-10, elephant ears grown in the ground will return and spread each year. The tubers are hardy with sufficient winter mulch. In colder zones, treat them as annuals or dig up the tubers to overwinter indoors.

How fast do elephant ears grow?

Elephant ears grow quickly once established. They emerge in spring and achieve most of their full size within 2-3 months. Warm temperatures, adequate water and fertilizer will maximize their growth rate.

Do elephants really eat elephant ear plants?

No! Elephant ear plants are only named as such because their large leaves resemble an elephant’s ears. But they are not a natural food source for elephants.

Conclusion

For a touch of the tropics in temperate gardens, you can’t go wrong with jack’s giant elephant ears. Their massive leaves and substantial heights provide sculptural, architectural drama unlike any other plant. Proper siting, soil preparation, moisture and fertilization are key to achieving happy plants with huge leaves. With their exotic foliage and lush presence, elephant ears like jack’s giant infuse gardens with a tropical vacation vibe.