Propagation of sugar cane – How to propagate sugar cane plants

The propagation of sugar cane, a heat-loving plant, is done by vegetative reproduction. This important economic crop does not reproduce easily with the seed and the harvest time would be too long if it were grown by this method. The preferred method is the rapid cultivation of new sugar cane through seed sugar cane. Knowing how to propagate sugar cane depends not only on the cane selected, but also on temperature, site selection and water.

Sugarcane propagation methods

Sugar cane is a real grass and can reach up to 3 meters high. It is a perennial plant that is harvested every 12 months. Sugar cane needs a lot of heat, water and fertilizer and grows quickly. The cane is peeled for use and is one of the most sought-after sources of sugar.

The propagation of sugar cane plants requires warm temperatures of 78 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 33 C.). Although seed is not a popular commercial form of sugarcane propagation, it is relatively easy and can be harvested in less than a year.

Seeds are a means of propagating a variety of sugar cane, but professionals use cuttings or setts.

Propagation of sugar cane with seeds

Hundreds of these small seeds form in the feathers of herbs. The seeds are available online and seem to require only a long and warm growing season, water and sunshine. However, the variety is not protected in seed production, so if you want a specific type, cuttings are the solution.

How to propagate sugar cane pieces

Each cutting or collar comes from a mature strain of this perennial plant and should be about the length of the elbow to the fingertips and have at least six «eyes» or growth points. Canes selected for new sugar cane cultivation must be healthy and free of disease. A few days before taking the canes, the upper part of the stem should be removed to eliminate apical dominance and improve germination.

The cuttings are planted in the soil or can be rooted in water. Whichever method of sugarcane propagation you choose, choose a large planting area in full sun and work the soil deeply to accommodate the extensive root system.

The propagation of the sugar cane plant through the poles requires a special planting method. Once the bed is prepared, you can plant the poles in two ways. The first is to place the cut vertically in the soil buried at 23 of its length. The other is to plant them horizontally, lightly covered with soil. You will probably see the sprouts in one to three weeks.

You can also place the cuttings in water. Rooting can take up to two weeks, then the rooted cuttings should be planted vertically in the soil. Place the soil around the new shoots to promote their growth.

Keep the bed free of weeds and water once a week or enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Harvest by cutting the ripe canes close to the ground.