Incorporating sugarcane: a unique addition to North Florida farms

Exploring Sugarcane Production in North Florida
Each fall, the Florida A&M University Research and Education Center, located at 4259 Bainbridge Highway in Quincy, hosts an educational event designed for small-scale farmers, beginners, and backyard growers interested in sugarcane production in North Florida. This hands-on experience provides invaluable insights into cultivating and managing sugarcane—a versatile crop that enhances farm productivity while adding aesthetic value to the landscape.
The versatility of sugarcane
Sugarcane, a perennial grass from the Saccharum genus, thrives in North Florida’s warm, humid climate and is celebrated for its vibrant hues, ranging from green to red and purple. Beyond its ornamental appeal, sugarcane serves multiple practical purposes. Certain varieties, such as CP 31-511, are ideal for chewing, while others, including CP 36-500, CP 67-500, and CP 57-603, are better suited for syrup production or crystallization.
Thanks to the region’s favorable conditions, sugarcane requires relatively moderate care compared to other crops, making it an attractive choice for farmers seeking both beauty and utility. FAMU’s annual event equips growers with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully cultivate this unique and productive crop.
Planting and Care
Sugarcane is propagated through stalk cuttings, commonly called “seed-cane.” Mature stalks are cut into sections with five to six buds (nodes), which act as growing points. These cuttings are planted horizontally in six-inch-deep furrows to ensure germination. While the orientation of the buds is not critical—shoots naturally emerge—planting in well-tilled, sunny locations with good drainage is essential.
The purpose of your sugarcane crop will determine planting density. Syrup production requires more stalks than chewing cane, so spacing should be adjusted accordingly, with 4 to 10 feet between rows. Sugarcane thrives in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and benefits from nitrogen-rich fertilizers applied before planting.
When selecting planting sites, consider the sharpness of sugarcane leaves and the potential for some varieties to topple over, which could obstruct high-traffic areas. While sugarcane needs full sun to grow, it goes dormant in winter and resumes growth in spring as temperatures rise.
Managing Pests and Wildlife
Sugarcane’s rapid growth allows it to withstand minor pest infestations from grubs, borers, termites, and aphids, making chemical pesticides largely unnecessary. However, nuisance wildlife, such as rodents and rabbits, can pose challenges. Physical barriers and traps are effective tools for managing these threats.
Harvesting Your Sugarcane
Sugarcane matures within 12 to 14 months and is typically ready for harvest by early November of the following year. Each plant produces multiple stalks that can grow over ten feet tall. To harvest, cut mature stalks just before a hard freeze, trim the green tops, and prepare the stalks for juice extraction or chewing.
For future planting, harvested seed-cane stalks can be stored in a cool, moist environment for up to two weeks. Planting should occur either before frost to promote winter resilience or after frost to ensure dormancy, with sprouting in spring. Fertilizer applications during spring regrowth will promote vigorous growth.
Maintaining Productivity
Sugarcane fields can remain productive for several years, but replanting every five to ten years is recommended to maintain consistent yields. With proper care and management, sugarcane can become a lasting legacy of beauty, productivity, and sweetness on your North Florida farm.
For more information, contact the Gadsden County Extension Office at 850-875-7255 or visit their location at 2140 W. Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL. You can also reach the Florida A&M University Research & Education Center at 850-412-6521, located at 4259 Bainbridge Highway, Quincy, FL. You can also stay up to date by following us on Facebook at UF IFAS Extension Gadsden County!