Sugarcane
Saccharum officinarum
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Quick Info
water
Heavy water demand; weekly deep watering
spacing
60 cm between sets
depth
Lay setts 10 cm deep horizontal
sun
Full sun
season
Plant at wet season start
frost
Frost intolerant
height
3-4 m at maturity
gemination
From stem cuttings, 14-21 days
sprout to harvest
12-18 months
soil ph
5.5-7.5
soil type
Deep fertile loam
fertilizer needs
High nitrogen, balanced K
About
Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass that originated in Papua New Guinea. PNG has hundreds of local varieties, valued both for fresh chewing and for cottage sugar production.
Health Benefits
Fresh juice provides quick energy, minerals, and small amounts of B vitamins. Chewing the cane massages gums.
Market Requirements
Buyers prefer canes 1.5-2 m long, free of cracks and free of fungal black spots. Bundle in groups of five with palm fibre.