Dean,
We've found the white one much easier to grow than the black one. The black one tens to wimp out. The black one does give us seeds though - never had a white one set seeds. We use Deadline for the snails/slugs and it has eliminated most of our problem. We grow them in pots on a bench; I think our problem would be greater if they were grown in the ground.
Before we had such cold winters, the white Tacca would bloom twice a year - in April and in Nov. For the past two years it's been one bloom in July- Aug. but we're getting multiple blooms on plants. With your temps, you'll probably get the twice yearly bloom or maybe year round?
They're so gorgeous I hope you'll try again.
Marie