How To Force Elephant Ear Bulbs . These will warm the soil gently and promote not only faster sprouting but also healthy bulbs too. Read about creating the ideal growing environment for elephant ears in your plant elephant ear bulbs outside after all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70 degrees. How to Harvest and Store Elephant Ear Bulbs in the Fall Elephant ear from www.pinterest.com One method i've heard of is to soak the bulbs in quite warm water for several hours. On the top of the bulb, you will see rings. The elephant ear can be grown in a middle area of the pond or on the edge and only partially submerged.