Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum)

Widely cultivated on a mass scale commercially, the long, thick stems are harvested for their sweet sap, which is most commonly used to make sugar and molasses.

Sugarcane is a member of the grass family, Poaceae. Native to southern Asia. Sugarcane has been cultivated for about 2000 years but it wasn’t until the 18th century that it was in cultivation in the USA. Sugar production was and still is very important to many countries. It is also being used now as a bio fuel.

Sugarcane makes an attractive exotic-looking plant within your sub-tropical landscape. Ideal for a shelter-belt.

Exposing the green, purple yellowish stems as they mature creates a dramatic feature in any garden.

Plant Care

• Soil: Prefers deep, rich, and well-drained loamy soil.
• Watering: Requires ample water, especially during the growing season. Ensure consistent moisture without saturating the soil.
• Temperature: Best grown in warm climates; temperatures between 24°C and 30°C are ideal.
• Light: Full sun.
• Fertilising: Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like 21-7-14 to promote vigorous growth early in the season. Reduce nitrogen in later stages to improve stalk sweetness.
• Pruning: Not typically required, but thinning may be necessary to maintain optimal spacing and sunlight exposure.
• Mulching: Helpful in retaining soil moisture and suppressing weeds.
• Pest Control: Monitor for pests such as aphids and borers. Use biological control methods or appropriate pesticides.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Rarely flowers; commercial propagation is usually done vegetatively.
• Potting: Not suitable for potting due to its extensive root system and growth habit.
• Feeding Regime: Regular applications of nitrogen early in the growing phase, followed by potassium-rich fertilizers closer to harvest.