Sugar cane is a tall, clump-forming perennial grass whose long, thick stems are filled with sweet sap. It is mostly grown commercially for foodstuff, including sugar and molasses. In addition, it has also found its way into home gardens as an ornamental. It is used as privacy screen, border, accent, or focal point. Once sugar cane is established, it is a fast grower. The large blades have very sharp edges that require care when handling.
In warm climates, it is planted in late summer or fall. In areas where it is not winter-hardy, sugar cane is commonly grown as an annual and planted after the last spring frost.
Sugar cane is a tropical grass that is most commonly grown outdoors in warm climates. However, with a little effort, it’s possible to grow sugar cane successfully in pots even in colder areas. Here’s a simple guide to get your own mini sugar cane plantation started right at home.
Why Grow Sugar Cane?
Growing your own sugar cane is extremely rewarding and can give you a good supply of fresh canes for juicing or chewing Sugar cane has a sweet, grassy flavor that’s quite refreshing It’s also packed with nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins.
Plus, it’s just fun to grow something new and different! The tall, bamboo-like stalks add visual interest to any patio or deck.
Choosing the Right Pot
You’ll need a large container at least 15-20 inches wide and 16-24 inches deep. Sugar cane plants have spreading, shallow root systems and appreciate ample room to stretch out.
Use a high quality potting mix, not regular garden soil which can get waterlogged. Amend it with compost or worm castings for nutrients. Make sure your pot has good drainage holes. Terracotta, wood, or plastic planters all work well.
Sourcing Sugar Cane Cuttings
To start sugar cane you need cuttings or “seed cane” from an existing plant. Order them online from specialty nurseries or see if you can get some from a friend or local community garden.
Look for stalks around 5-6 feet long with healthy growth nodes (rings that look like bamboo). Avoid pieces with brown leaves or spots.
Starting Sugar Cane Cuttings
Cut your stalks into 18-24 inch segments, keeping the top 2-3 nodes on each. Lay them horizontally in seed trays filled with damp potting mix. Bury them just below the surface.
Water the trays daily to keep moist and place in a sunny spot or under grow lights. New shoots called “ratoons” will emerge from the nodes in 2-4 weeks.
Transplanting the Ratoons
Once the new ratoon shoots reach around 4 inches tall, carefully dig them up and transplant into your prepared large pot. Place one ratoon per pot, burying the stalk up to the top leaves.
Water thoroughly after transplanting and let drain. Give them plenty of sun. Add a stake or trellis for support as they grow taller.
Ongoing Care
Sugar cane grows quickly once established. Expect your plants to reach 6 feet or more! Water regularly, at least 2-3 times a week, allowing pots to partially dry out between waterings. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.
Remove any dead leaves or debris around the base. Check for pests like aphids under the leaves. In winter, move pots to a sunny, sheltered area if possible.
Harvesting Time
You can begin harvesting stalks after 10-14 months. Use leather gloves and pruning shears to cut near the base, leaving 1-2 nodes to regrow. Saw tops off leaves using a serrated knife.
Ratoons will regrow from cut stalks so you can continue harvesting. Plan to repot plants every 2 years as their roots fill pots. Enjoy juicing or chewing your homegrown sugar cane!
With the right conditions, it is possible to successfully grow sugar cane in pots. Give it plenty of sun, a large container, rich soil, ample water and time to establish. In around a year, you’ll be rewarded with sweet, succulent stalks. Growing tropical plants like sugar cane allows you to expand your gardening horizons and try something new.
Sugar Cane Plant Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing sugar cane:
- Plant it in a location with full sun.
- Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
- Keep the plant consistently moist.
- Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer every week, or less infrequently if not growing sugar cane as an edible.
- Cut the whole plant back if it starts to sprawl.
Water
Sugar prospers in consistent moisture but does not tolerate wet, soggy soil or being overwatered. In the absence of abundant precipitation, sugar cane needs to be irrigated, 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
However, reduce watering if you plan to harvest mature stems. Slightly dry conditions slow down the growth and increase the sugar production in the lower part of the stalks.
How to Successfully Grow Sugar Cane in Containers at Home: Step-by-Step Guide| Part1&2
FAQ
Can sugarcane be grown in pots?
Potted sugarcane plants can grow quickly. As the new ratoons grow, you’ll need to transplant them into bigger pots, using an all-purpose potting mixture. The most important part of sugarcane container care is keeping the soil moist.
Why is sugarcane so difficult to grow?
Commercial sugar cane growing is considered relatively simple. However, the crop has a long growth cycle and needs heat and sufficient moisture during this time. Thus, farmers should, ahead of time, select a field with the best microclimate to grow sugar cane efficiently.
How long does it take to grow sugarcane?
GROWING & HARVESTING
After approximately 12 months, the mature sugarcane is ready for harvest. Growers average four harvests from a single planting. The harvesting campaign begins in mid-October and runs through mid-March or approximately 150 days.
Does sugarcane regrow after cutting?
Trim the green, upper portion of the stalk that lacks sugar. Then, either crush the stalks for juice or cut them into pieces for chewing. Vigorous regrowth will occur in the spring as the soil begins to warm up.