How to Grow Sugar Cane at Home

Sugar cane is a tall perennial grass, originally native to tropical Southeast Asia, which looks very similar to bamboo. It is cultivated primarily for extraction of its juice, from which sugar is made. A subtropical and tropical crop that prefers lots of sun and water, sugar cane can be easily grown in a backyard as long as the region is a warm climate. Propagate sugar cane by planting cuttings of the stalks called "setts."

Things You'll Need

• Sugar cane stalks
• Saw
• Shovel
• 8-8-8 fertilizer

Instructions

1. Find a suitable location. A sunny, well-drained area is best. Sugar cane planted in shady areas near trees, fences or walls will not grow well. Sugar cane grows best in warm-weather environments.

2. Till the soil in the desired location in one long row to a depth of 6 inches and a width of at least 8 inches. Spread 1 lb. of 8-8-8 fertilizer loosely into the furrow for every 10 feet of sugar cane planted. Cover the fertilizer with a layer of 1 to 2 inches of soil.

3. Cut the sugar cane into sections 2 to 3 feet long, aiming for pieces that have around six buds in each section. Lay the sugar cane pieces in the furrow and cover loosely with soil to a depth of 2 to 5 inches. It does not matter if the buds along the stalk are pointing downwards; the shoot will naturally grow upwards.

4. Water the soil until it is moist, but not wet. Sugar cane should begin sprouting within one to three weeks, depending on soil temperatures.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find sugar cane in many ethnic markets or purchase it from Internet nurseries.

• Sugar cane leaves are very sharp and can cut skin. Wear protective clothing when working in or near sugar cane, and do not plant in high-traffic areas.

• Use protective gear and goggles when using a saw.

References

• University of Florida: Backyard Sugarcane
• Plant Cultures: Sugar Cane - Grow It

Resources

• ChewingCane: Ornamental Sugar Cane Plants