Growing Sugarcane In A Pot: Learn About Sugarcane Container Care
Many gardeners think that growing sugarcane is only possible in tropical climates. This is not actually true if you are willing to grow it in a pot. You can grow potted sugarcane plants in almost any region. If you are interested in growing sugarcane in a pot, read on for info on container-grown sugarcane.
Can You Grow Sugarcane in Pots?
You may have seen fields of sugarcane in photos growing in Hawaii or other tropical locations and longed to try growing a little yourself. If you don’t live in a hot climate, try container-grown sugarcane. Can you grow sugarcane in pots? Yes, you can, and this makes it possible to have a mini-sugar plantation no matter where you live. The secret is growing the canes in containers.
Container Grown Sugarcane
In order to start growing sugarcane in a pot, you need to obtain a length of sugarcane, ideally around 6 feet (2 m.) long. Look for buds on it. They look like rings on bamboo. Your length should have about 10 of them. Cut the cane into two pieces of equal length. Prepare a seed tray by filling it with a mixture of one part compost to one part sand. Lay the two cane pieces on the tray horizontally and layer compost over them. Moisten the soil well and cover the entire tray with plastic to keep in the moisture. Place the tray in bright sunlight. Water the tray every day to keep the soil moist. After a few weeks, you will see new shoots in your container-grown sugarcane. These are called ratoons and, when they grow to 3 inches (7.5 cm.), you can transplant each one to its own pot.
Sugarcane Container Care
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. Since the plants require direct sun most of the day (or 40-watt grow bulbs), they dry out quickly. You’ll need to water at least three times a week. Remove all dead leaves and keep the pots free from weeds. After about a year, the canes will be 3 feet (1 m.) tall and ready to harvest. Wear leather gloves when you harvest since the leaves of the potted sugarcane plants are very sharp.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
Foraging Flowers: How To Forage Floral Plants – And Which Flowers You Can Pick For Free Edibles!
It’s fun to forage flowers, but it’s important to know the rules. Avoid areas that have been sprayed, beware of imposters and take only what you need.
By Tonya Barnett
-
9 Contemporary Small Garden Ideas – Maximize Style With A Modern Design
Some simple conceptual ideas can transform even the tiniest plot from humdrum to dream design. Try these 9 contemporary small garden ideas to modernize your plot
By Amy Grant
-
Sugarcane Insect Control – How To Deal With Sugarcane Plant Pests
Like any commercial crop, sugarcane does have its share of pests that can sometimes cause significant crop loss in sugarcane fields. And if you grow sugarcane plants in the home garden, they may affect yours too. Click here to learn about common pests of sugarcane.
By Darcy Larum
-
Cold Hardy Sugarcane Plants: Can You Grow Sugarcane In Winter
Sugarcane is an incredibly useful crop. Native to tropical and subtropical climates, it does not usually fare well in cold temperatures. So what’s a gardener to do when growing sugarcane in a temperate zone? Learn about sugarcane for cool climates here.
By Liz Baessler
-
Sugarcane Water Needs – How To Water Sugarcane Plants
You may have tried growing sugarcane, and probably realized it can be a water hog. Sugarcane water requirements is an important aspect of meeting the proper growth and care of your plants. Click here to learn how to water sugarcane plants efficiently.
By Darcy Larum
-
Common Sugarcane Diseases: What’s Wrong With My Sugarcane
Although sugarcane is a hardy, prolific plant, it can be plagued by a number of sugarcane diseases. Click on the following article to learn how to identify several of the most common. If you know what to look for, then treating the problem will be easier.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Sugarcane Benefits: What Is Sugarcane Good For
What is sugarcane good for? Most often grown on a commercial scale, you can grow it in your garden too. Enjoy a pretty, decorative grass, a natural screen and privacy border, and the sweet juice and fiber from harvested canes. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Common Sugarcane Varieties: Learn About Different Sugarcane Plants
Growing sugarcane is most often a commercial affair, but home gardeners can also enjoy this sweet ornamental grass. If you live in a warm climate, you can grow sugarcane varieties in your garden beds. Learn about the differences between sugarcanes in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Cutting Back Sugarcane: Do You Need To Prune Sugarcane
Growing sugarcane can be fun in the home garden. There are some great varieties for good decorative landscaping, but these plants also produce actual sugar. To enjoy a pretty plant and a sweet treat, know when and how to cut and prune your sugarcane. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
How To Fertilize Sugarcane – Tips For Feeding Sugarcane Plants
If you are lucky enough to live in a zone that is warm year-round, sugarcane can be fun to grow and produce an amazing source of sweetness. Along with site selection and general care, you will need to know how to fertilize sugarcane. This article will help with that.
By Bonnie L. Grant