When is the right time to plant sugarcane?

Sugarcane is a crop that has high requirements for temperature and light. It needs to grow in an environment with an annual cumulative temperature of 5500℃ to 8500℃. In addition, sugarcane requires a frost-free period of at least 330 days and an average annual humidity of around 60%. To ensure adequate water supply , annual precipitation should be between 800 mm and 1200 mm. At the same time, sugarcane also needs sufficient sunlight, with annual sunshine duration reaching at least 1,195 hours. So when is the right time to plant sugarcane?

When is the right time to plant sugarcane?

In China, the main sugarcane growing areas usually plant in the spring, from late January to mid-March. The sowing time in the southern region is relatively early, while it is slightly later in the northern region. However, to ensure normal growth of sugarcane, sowing time should not be later than mid-May. As for autumn sowing, the suitable time is from the end of September to the end of October. In winter, sowing is usually scheduled between November and December.

Sugarcane growing conditions

Climate: Sugarcane likes warmth and light, and the annual accumulated temperature needs to be 5500℃-8500℃, the frost-free period is more than 330 days, the annual average air humidity is 60%, the annual precipitation is required to be 800-1200mm, and the sunshine hours are more than 1195 hours.

Soil: Sugarcane is best grown in fertile, well-drained soil. Soil pH is usually between 5.5-8.0, but the ideal pH range is 6.0-7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and minerals to support the growth of sugarcane.

Water: Sugarcane has a high demand for water and requires sufficient rain or irrigation water. In arid areas , regular irrigation may be required to ensure proper growth of sugarcane.

Light: Sugarcane needs sufficient sunlight to promote photosynthesis and accumulation of sugars.

Sowing Time: The sowing time of sugarcane varies from region to region. In China, spring sowing is usually from late January to mid-March, autumn sowing is from late September to late October, and winter sowing is from November to December.

Management: During sugarcane planting , attention should be paid to the prevention and control of pests and diseases, reasonable fertilization, and timely irrigation and drainage. Furthermore, sugarcane is usually harvested after the growing cycle is complete to ensure adequate accumulation of sugars.

Harvesting: The harvesting time of sugarcane depends on the variety and local climatic conditions. Generally speaking, sugarcane is harvested 12-18 months after planting, and the specific time needs to be determined based on the growth of the sugarcane and the sugar content.

The above is an introduction to the sowing time of sugarcane. As a fruit with processing purposes, sugarcane has very good economic value, but not all areas in China are suitable for planting.