10/25/2026
With foodscapes increasing in popularity, one way you can add an attractive edible to your landscape is by planting sugarcane. This perennial grass from the genus Saccharum ranges in color from green to red to purple. There are different varieties for various intended uses; some are bred for chewing, while others are grown for crystalizing, or for making syrup.
Characteristics: Sugarcanes bred for chewing tend to be softer, with fibers that stick together when chewed, to make releasing the sweet juice easier. Crystal canes, which are typically commercial varieties, have a higher sucrose concentration that is ideal for producing granulated sugar. Syrup canes have less sucrose than crystal canes, but they have other types of sugar molecules that are less likely to crystalize during the syrup-making process. Most gardeners choose either a chewing or syrup cane, depending on their post-harvest plans.
Planting and Care
Sugarcane is only grown from stalk cuttings, called “seed-cane,” because it will not breed true from seeds. To vegetatively propagate sugarcane, cut mature cane stalks into smaller sections containing five to six “buds.” Each bud is a growing point, and these are located at the nodes along the canes. Five to six buds may seem excessive, but it’s important to have several in case a few of the buds fail to germinate. The buds (future shoots) on two adjacent nodes are on opposite sides of the cane stalk, but don’t worry about bud orientation during stalk planting. Emerging shoots will still find their way to the soil surface even if buds are pointing downward.
close view of sugarcane
Try finding seed-cane at your local farmers market or from online sources. Seed-canes can also be acquired from other gardeners in the community who have the variety you’re looking for. The experts at your county Extension office can help you find sources of seed-canes nearby. The seed-cane will produce a plant that is a genetically identical clone of the original, so pay attention to the characteristics of the parent plant to know how yours will develop.
Once seed-canes are cut, they should be stored in a cool, moist place for up to two weeks. Dipping the ends of the pieces in hot paraffin will help them stay moist for longer periods, if necessary. Sugarcane should either be planted before a killing frost, or after the onset of winter. The first option means the planted seed-pieces will have already germinated (showing both shoot and root growth), which will help the cane overcome the stress of winter. The second option encourages the planted seed pieces to enter a dormant state through winter, followed by sprouting in the spring.
Sugarcane works well as an intercrop with vegetables and/or nitrogen-fixing legumes. These other crops will mature and be harvested before the sugarcane grows large enough to shade them. Sugarcane can also serve as a natural windbreak in the garden.
Read more on growing sugarcane on our state’s website https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/sugarcane/
Infographic text:
SUGARCANE HAS BEEN
GROWN IN FLORIDA FOR CENTURIES.
SUGARCANE THRIVES IN FLORIDA'S SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE. TODAY, FLORIDA IS THE LEADING PRODUCER OF SUGARCANE IN THE UNITES STATES.
31 billion pounds
harvested per year
$542.9 million
total production value
Available:
October - April
One acre of sugarcane supplies a years' worth of sugar for 146 Americans
Popular products:
• sugar
• molasses
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; United States Department of Agriculture, 2012
