When to Plant Sugarcane? A Full Analysis of the Latest Planting Times

Sugarcane is distributed mainly between 33°N and 30°S, with the area between 25°N and 25°S being relatively concentrated. It is suitable for cultivation in places with fertile soil, abundant sunshine and a large temperature difference between winter and summer, and is widely planted in southern tropical regions such as Taiwan, China, Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Sichuan and Yunnan. Now let us take a look at the planting time for sugarcane!

Planting Time for Sugarcane

In China's main production areas, the spring planting time for sugarcane is from the end of January to mid-March, earlier in the south and later in the north, but no later than mid-April, with harvest from May to mid-July. For autumn planting, late August to the end of September is suitable, with harvest in mid-December.

Growing Conditions for Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a crop that loves warmth and light. It requires an annual accumulated temperature of 5500℃-8500℃, a frost-free period of more than 330d, an average annual air humidity of 60%, annual rainfall of 800-1200mm, and sunshine hours of more than 1195 hours. Based on the relationship between sugarcane growth, yield formation and sugar content and climate, the active accumulated temperature with a daily average temperature of ≥20℃ and the annual extreme minimum temperature (Tm), the main limiting factor determining whether sugarcane can overwinter and grow year after year, are proposed as sugarcane climate zoning indicators, dividing sugarcane into the following four planting climate zones:

1. An accumulated temperature above 5000℃ and Tm≥-2℃ is the most suitable planting climate zone.

2. An accumulated temperature of 4000-5000℃ and -5℃≤Tm≤-2℃ is a suitable climate zone.

3. An accumulated temperature of 3000-5000℃ and -5℃≤Tm≤-2℃ is a marginally suitable climate zone.

4. An accumulated temperature of ≥3000-4000℃ and -8℃≤Tm≤-2℃ is a plantable climate zone.

These four sugarcane planting climate zones are all concentrated in the central subtropical, southern subtropical and tropical monsoon climate zones. Among them, the most suitable planting climate zones are basically all located south of 24°N.

Sugarcane Planting Techniques

1. Deep ploughing: Mechanical ploughing of the planting site requires two ploughings and two harrowings, to a depth of 50 cm. The soil must be loose, and the planting furrow must reach a depth of 30 cm.

2. Shallow planting: The depth of soil returned to cover the seed cane is generally about 5 cm.

3. Wide rows: The row spacing for sugarcane planting should be 90-100 cm, which facilitates ventilation and field management after planting.

4. Dense planting: Sow 5-6 seed canes per 100 cm in the planting furrow, and sow 3000-3500 double-bud seed canes per mu.

5. Apply sufficient base fertilizer: Use 1000-2000 kg of farmyard manure per mu. Mix with 100 kg of superphosphate, 25 kg of urea and 15 kg of potassium chloride, compost for 7-15 days, then apply into the planting furrow.

6. Seed soaking: Select plump double-bud seed canes that are free of pests, diseases and damage, and soak them in clean water or 2% lime water for 1-2 days. This can improve the drought resistance of the seed cane and also eliminate pests and diseases.

7. Planting method: Place the seed canes flat in the planting furrow with the buds facing to the sides. When returning soil to cover the seeds, first gently press the seedlings into the soil, then return the soil to promote root development.

8. Control underground pests: To prevent damage from underground white grubs and sugarcane borers, apply 2-3 kg of Miral per mu at planting time.

9. Chemical weed control before sprouting: After planting and before the sugarcane seedlings emerge, use 25 ml of 40% atrazine plus 200 ml of ametryn per mu, diluted in 50-60 kg of water, and spray the soil surface to control weed growth.