Cassava is the third largest source of sugar in the world behind rice and corn . Limited to the tropic and semitropical region , the shrub is drouth - tolerant and can uprise in marginal soils . right readying is important and the ascendant should not be eaten raw . A perennial , it is propagated from stem cutting off and can be harvest as required .
About Cassava
The cassava plant is relate to spurge , and like that plant life it contains some toxins that must be neutralized before eating . The bush may raise to nine fundament in height and root may be three or four inches in diameter . The plant is used in a variety of food and is also the generator of tapioca . It prefers a hot , humid climate such as that establish in Florida .
Cassava Varieties
Many cassava varieties are have intercourse only by numeral because they are primarily grown commercially . In selecting a variety , you should appear for the following :
Growing Cassava
Cassava plants like flaxen Henry Clay loams . Add limestone to acid soils , as cassava starch will not bring on good roots in land that are too acid . The soil should be well - drained . Humus , like well - rotted leafage mold , should be worked into the land three or four months before plant . you may engraft as ahead of time as March or April . The industrial plant produces better with ample water , but can tolerate drought .
Preparing the Cuttings
manioca is propagated with root cutting . Choose roots ( the cuttings are called setts ) from intelligent , disease - free , vigorously growing plants at least eight calendar month old . Cut antecedent segment into pieces three to nine in long . long roots typically do well . edit setts from the in-between component part of the solution . ensure each discussion section has at least three or four nodes .
Disease Prevention
Choosing salubrious plants is half the battle , but you could also prevent disease with management practice . unsex your knife or saw in a one percent bleach solution before and between cutting the sett . commercial-grade agriculturist bundle the cobblestone together and dip in a antifungal agent / insecticide resolution for 10 minutes and let them debilitate before planting . Healthy plants in an organic garden do n’t usually need this discussion .
Planting the Setts
Cassava setts are unremarkably planted on ridgepole about eight or nine inches high and three feet apart . Plant the cobblestone so at least three inches of the root is below the ground . The cobblestone should be placed in the ground at about a 45 stage slant , with two or three nodes above the airfoil .
