🎋 GROWING GUIDE – Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
🎋 Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum)
Sweet, crunchy stems; a spectacular tropical ornamental plant.
Sugarcane is a tall tropical grass cultivated for its sugar-rich stems and decorative appearance.
☀️ Light
Full sun required. Minimum 6-8 hours of direct light per day for optimal growth and good sugar content.
💧 Watering
Water generously and regularly. Keep the soil consistently moist. Sugarcane requires a lot of water during its growth.
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal temperature: 25-35°C. Minimum temperature: 10°C. Sensitive to frost. Outdoor plant in summer; bring indoors in autumn in Quebec.
🌱 Fertilization
Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer. Sugarcane is a heavy nutrient user.
🪴 Repotting
Plant every spring. Large, deep pot required. Rich, well-draining potting soil. Can also be planted directly in the ground during the summer.
✂️ Size
No pruning is necessary. Harvest mature stems (12-18 months old) by cutting them at the base. New stems will grow back.
🐛 Common problems
- Aphids: Treat with insecticidal soap
- Slow growth: Lack of heat or nutrients
- Thin stems: Lack of sun or water
🎋 Harvest
Mature stems after 12-18 months. Cut at the base, peel off the bark, and chew the stem to extract the sweet juice. Colorful ornamental varieties are available.
Tropico-Québec tip: Sugarcane grows quickly in summer. Plant it directly in the ground or in a very large pot for beautiful stalks.