Preparing the soil and planting cassava cuttings is the only way to grow cassava and keep the cassava value chain running. Here is everything to know.
The Cassava plant is a nutrient-rich crop that is easy to grow from the cuttings.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of preparing the soil and planting cassava cuttings, from selecting the right soil and location to cuttings caring for your plants as they grow.
Let’s get started on your cassava tapioca growing journey!
The Best Time of the Year for Planting Cassava
In my region of Nigeria, the months of May, June, and July are considered the best times to plant cassava in Nigeria.
This is during the wet season when there is abundant rainfall to support the growth of the crop and the need for watering the mound after planting is eliminated.
How to Prepare the Soil for Planting the Cassava Cuttings
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
The first step in preparing the soil for planting cassava cuttings is choosing the right location for your cassava garden.
Cassava plants need plenty of sunlight, so it is important to select a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Additionally, cassava plants prefer well-draining soil, so avoid planting them in areas that are prone to waterlogging.
Step 2: Clear the Area
Before planting your cassava cuttings, you will need to clear the area of any weeds, rocks, or debris.
This will help to ensure that the cassava plants have plenty of room to grow and access to all the nutrients they need.
You can remove weeds by hand or use a hoe or a weed whip to clear the area more efficiently.
Step 3: Test the Soil
The third step before planting your cassava cuttings, is to test the soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content.
Cassava plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.
If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can adjust it by adding lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it.
Additionally, you may need to add compost or fertilizer to improve the nutrient content of the soil.
Related: History of the Mandioca Plant
Step 4: Tilling the Soil
Once you have cleared the area and tested the soil, it is time to till the soil to prepare it for planting.
Use a shovel or a tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12-18 inches.
This will help to improve the soil structure, increase aeration, and promote root growth.
Be sure to break up any large clumps of soil and remove any rocks or debris that you encounter.
Step 5: Add Organic Matter
To further improve the quality of the soil, you can add organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or aged leaf mulch.
Organic matter helps to improve soil fertility, retain moisture, and promote healthy microbial activity.
Spread a layer of organic matter over the tilled soil and mix it in thoroughly with a rake or a shovel. Aim to incorporate about 2-4 inches of organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
Related: Cassava Foods from South America
Step 6: Create Planting Rows
To plant your cassava cuttings, you will need to create planting rows that are about 3-4 feet apart.
Use a hoe or a shovel to dig shallow trenches that are about 6-8 inches deep.
Space the cassava cuttings about 2-3 feet apart within each row, with the cut end of the cutting facing upwards.
After preparing the soil, it’s now time to move to the stems for preparation.
Related: How to Produce Garri from Cassava Roots
How to Grow and Propagate Cassava through the Stems
The cassava is planted using the stems which have growth buds. The growth buds are the nodes from where the shoots sprout. See photo.
The planting activity begins with selecting a healthy stem and cutting it into around 1 foot in length.
Step 7: Choose the Right Stem
When selecting a stem cutting for planting, choosing a healthy and mature stem from a well-established cassava plant is important.
Look for stem cuttings that are about 12-18 inches long and have at least 3-4 nodes.
As described above, nodes are the points on the stem from which leaves and roots grow.
Make sure the cutting is free from any diseases or pests. See the dedicated post on cassava stems.
Step 8: Preparing the Cutting
Once you have selected the stem, trim the stem with a sharp, clean knife just below a node.
Remove any leaves or branches from the lower half of the cutting to prevent them from rotting when planted in the soil.
To reduce the risk of rotting, allow the cutting to dry and callous over for a day or two before planting.
Related: Cassava Farming Best Practices
Step 9: How to Plant the Cassava Cuttings
Choose a well-draining potting mix or soil for planting the cassava cutting.
Press the cassava cutting into the specially prepared loose soil with the shoot nodes facing up.
Allow an inch of the cutting to exceed above the soil level.
Water the cutting thoroughly after planting to help establish roots.
Step 10: Growing Cassava: Care and Maintenance
Cassava plants prefer warm, tropical climates and thrive in full sun.
Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to promote healthy growth. Prune the plant as needed to encourage bushier growth.
Related: Cassava Pests and Diseases and How to Control them
Appearances of the Sprouting Shoots
The time it takes for the shoots of newly planted cassava cuttings to appear can vary depending on factors such as soil quality, sunlight, and water availability.
Generally, cassava cuttings can take around 2-3 weeks to sprout after planting.
Here are some specific details:
Initial Sprouting: Cassava cuttings typically sprout within 2-3 weeks after planting, with the first leaves emerging from the soil.
Root Development: The roots of the cassava plant start to develop within 4-6 weeks after planting, which is crucial for the plant’s overall health and growth.
Related: Tips on Starting Commercial Cassava Farming
Caring for the Growing Cassava Plant
If you’ve planted cassava and it has begun to sprout, it’s important to take proper care of the plant to ensure a successful harvest.
Here are some tips on how to care for cassava after sprouting until harvest:
Watering the Cassava
The essence of planting cassava around May, June, and July in Nigeria is because of the abundant rain at this time which eliminates the need for watering.
However, in places where the rain is not enough, proper irrigation or watering is essential for the full development of the cassava roots.
Cassava plants require regular watering, especially during the initial stages of growth.
Make sure to water the plants consistently, but be careful not to over-water as this can cause the roots to rot.
Monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Fertilization of Cassava after the Shoots are Out
Cassava plants benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development.
Use a balanced fertilizer with a higher potassium content to support root development.
Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label, or as shown in the picture, and repeat every 6-8 weeks throughout the growing season.
Weed Control of the Cassava Farm
Keep the area around your cassava plants free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.
Remove any weeds by hand or use mulch to suppress weed growth.
Be careful when weeding around cassava plants as they have shallow roots that can easily be bruised and damaged.
A bruised or damaged root will start rotting from the wound.
Related: How Long Before Cassava is Harvested?
Pest and Disease Management
Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect cassava plants, such as cassava mosaic disease and mealybugs.
Remove and destroy any infected plants or parts of the plant to prevent the spread of disease.
Consider using organic pest control methods to keep pests at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare the soil for planting cassava cuttings?
Loosen the soil, remove weeds, and incorporate organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient availability for healthy cassava growth.
When is the best time to plant cassava cuttings?
Plant cassava cuttings during the early rainy season, when the soil is moist and warm for optimal root development.
How far apart should I space cassava cuttings when planting?
Plant cassava cuttings 1 to 1.5 meters apart in rows spaced 1.5 to 2 meters apart to allow for proper growth.
How deep should I plant cassava cuttings in the soil?
Plant cassava cuttings 5 to 10 centimeters deep in the soil with the growing buds facing up for successful growth.
Final Words for Cassava Pathway
To plant cassava cuttings, start by selecting cuttings that are at least 1 cm thick and woody, with no green parts.
Cut the stems to about 30 cm (1 foot) long and place them on the ground, covering them lightly with soil or potting mix.
Keep them moist and wait for new growth to emerge.
Cassava is a crop that can be grown from stem cuttings, making it easy to propagate and maintain in your garden
Citations:
- The ‘Six Steps’ way of planting cassava – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nPnBAyppLk
- What You Need to Know about Growing Cassava https://thesurvivalgardener.com/need-know-growing-cassava/
- How to plant cassava stems in a very simple way- step by step – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_O-NoSpMGA
- How to Grow Cassava/Yuca from Cuttings and Tubers – Asia Farming https://www.asiafarming.com/how-to-grow-cassava-yuca-from-cuttings-and-tubers-a-guide-for-planting-to-harvesting
- How to Grow and Care for Cassava – The Spruce https://www.thespruce.com/growing-cassava-plants-5087849
- https://veggiegrow.ng/the-best-month-to-plant-cassava/
- https://www.thespruce.com/growing-cassava-plants-5087849
Chimeremeze Emeh is an agribusiness consultant and entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of the cassava value chain in Africa. He has worked with farmers, processors, and policymakers to enhance efficiency and profitability. Emeh is passionate about using technology to drive sustainable development in the cassava industry. He has authored publications on the cassava value chain and is a sought-after speaker. Emeh founded a successful cassava processing enterprise.