How To Plant Cassava

If you’re looking for a reliable and productive crop for your garden, learning how to plant cassava is a fantastic skill. This hardy root vegetable, also known as yuca or manioc, is a staple food for millions and can thrive with minimal care once established.

Growing cassava is straightforward. It’s perfect for warm climates and can provide a substantial harvest from just a few plants. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing cuttings to harvesting your own starchy roots.

Before you put any cuttings in the ground, a bit of planning makes all the difference. Cassava is a tropical perennial, so it loves heat and sunshine.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

You don’t need fancy equipment. The essentials are simple:

Cassava Stem Cuttings: You grow cassava from stem pieces, not seeds. You can get these from a garden center, agricultural supplier, or a fellow gardener.
A Sunny Spot: Choose a location that gets at least 8 hours of full sun daily.
Well-Drained Soil: Cassava roots rot in waterlogged soil. Sandy loam is ideal, but you can amend heavy clay soil with compost.
Basic Garden Tools: A shovel or hoe, a measuring tape, and a watering can or hose.
Organic Compost or Manure: To enrich the soil before planting.

Choosing and Preparing Your Cassava Cuttings

Selecting healthy stems is the most critical step for success. Use stems from mature plants that are at least 8-10 months old.

Look for thick, woody stems from the previous year’s growth.
Cut the stems into pieces about 8 to 12 inches long. Each piece is called a “stake.”
Make sure each stake has at least 4 to 6 nodes (the bumpy rings where leaves grew).
Cut the top of the stake straight across and the bottom at a slant. This helps you remember which end is up and improves water drainage when planting.
Let the cuttings dry in a shaded, airy place for 2-3 days before planting. This helps prevent rot and encourages sprouting.

Preparing Your Planting Site

Cassava isn’t too picky, but good soil prep yields a much better harvest.

First, clear the area of weeds and grass. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches using a fork or tiller. This allows the roots to expand easily.

Mix in a generous amount of well-rotted compost or manure. This improves soil fertility and structure. If your soil is very acidic, you can add a little lime, but cassava tolerates a range of pH levels.

Form mounds or ridges about 8-12 inches high, especially if your soil drains poorly. This further prevents water from pooling around the roots.

The Planting Process Step-by-Step

Now for the main event. The best time to plant is at the beginning of the rainy season in your area, or when the soil is consistently warm.

Spacing: Cassava plants need room. Space your planting holes 3 to 4 feet apart in rows that are also 3 to 4 feet apart.
Digging Holes: Dig a hole deep enough to bury about half of your cassava stake. This is usually 4 to 6 inches deep.
Orientation: Place the stake in the hole with the slanted (bottom) end down and the straight (top) end up. This is crucial for proper growth.
Planting Angle: Some gardeners plant stakes vertically, but a 45-degree angle is often recomended. It can help with root development and makes the plant more stable.
Covering: Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it around the stake to ensure good contact.
Watering In: Give the newly planted stake a thorough watering to settle the soil.

Should You Plant in Containers?

Yes, you can grow cassava in large containers! Choose a pot that is at least 20 gallons in size. Ensure it has excellent drainage holes.

Use a high-quality potting mix and follow the same planting steps. Container plants will need more frequent watering and feeding, as nutrients get depleted faster.

Caring for Your Growing Cassava Plants

Cassava is known for its drought tolerance, but it still needs care to produce well.

Watering and Weeding

Water your plants regularly for the first 2 months to help them establish. After that, you can reduce watering. The plants are quite resilient during dry spells.

Keep the area around your plants free from weeds, especially when they are young. Weeds compete for nutrients and water. Mulching with straw or dried leaves helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing for a Better Yield

While cassava can grow in poor soil, fertilizing boosts your harvest. About 6-8 weeks after planting, side-dress the plants with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.

Avoid fertilizers too high in nitrogen, as this will encourage leaf growth at the expense of the roots. A potassium-rich fertilizer is beneficial for root development.

Common Pests and Problems

Cassava is relatively pest-resistant, but a few issues can occur.

Cassava Mosaic Disease: This virus causes stunted growth and mottled leaves. The best prevention is to use certified disease-free cuttings.
Green Mites: These tiny pests can damage leaves. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs or use a mild insecticidal soap spray if infestations are severe.
Root Rot: Caused by waterlogged soil. The key prevention is ensuring perfect drainage from the start.
Animals: Goats, deer, or rodents may browse on leaves or roots. Fencing may be necessary in some areas.

Harvesting Your Cassava

Most cassava varieties are ready for harvest 8 to 12 months after planting. You’ll know it’s time when the leaves start to yellow and drop, and the roots feel thick when you gently probe the soil at the base of the stem.

To harvest, carefully loosen the soil in a wide circle around the plant with a fork or shovel. Pull the entire plant up by the base of the stem, shaking off excess soil. Cut the stems off to save for your next planting cycle.

Fresh cassava roots don’t store for long—only a few days at room temperature. You can peel them, cut them, and freeze them for longer storage. Remember, cassava roots must always be cooked before eating, as they contain naturally occuring cyanogenic compounds that are neutralized by heat.

Storing Stem Cuttings for Next Season

After harvest, select the best, healthiest stems for next year’s crop. Cut them into stakes as described earlier.

Bundle them together and store them in a cool, dry, and shaded place. You can also bury them in a pit of dry sand. They will remain viable for planting for several months if kept from drying out completely or rotting.

FAQ About Planting Cassava

What is the best month to plant cassava?

Plant cassava when the soil is warm and there is reliable moisture, typically at the start of the warm, rainy season in your climate. Avoid planting in cool weather.

Can I plant cassava from the grocery store?

You can try, but it’s not always reliable. Store-bought roots are often treated to prevent sprouting. It’s better to source cuttings from a plant nursery or a known variety.

How long does cassava take to grow?

Cassava requires a long growing season. Most varieties need a minimum of 8 months to produce good-sized roots, with some needing up to 12 months.

Does cassava need full sun?

Absolutely. Cassava is a sun-loving plant and requires full, direct sunlight for most of the day to produce a good yield of roots.

Can you grow cassava from a piece of the root?

No, cassava is propagated from stem cuttings, not root pieces. The root, or tuber, is the part you eat and will not produce a new plant.

How many cassava plants do I need per person?

For a steady supply, 5 to 10 plants per person is a good estimate. Each plant can yeild several pounds of roots depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Planting cassava is a rewarding project that provides a significant food source. With its low maintenance needs and high caloric output, it’s an excellent addition to any warm-climate garden. By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a successful harvest of this versatile and important crop.