Cassava

Cassava is highly drought-tolerant, requiring regular moisture only during the first 3-4 months of establishment to support root development. Once established, it can survive extended dry periods, though consistent moderate rainfall of 40-60 inches (100-150 cm) annually supports optimal tuber yield. Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soils cause root rot and reduce harvest quality.

Cassava requires full, direct sunlight for a minimum of 6-8 hours per day to produce robust foliage and large, starchy tubers. It will not thrive in shaded conditions, with low light leading to sparse growth, reduced root development, and higher susceptibility to pest infestations.

Cassava adapts to a wide range of soil types but grows best in well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It tolerates low-fertility, acidic, and even rocky soils where other staple crops cannot grow, though it will not survive in heavy, waterlogged clay soils that cause root rot.

Cassava has low nutrient requirements, often producing acceptable yields in unamended low-fertility soils. For commercial production, apply a balanced NPK fertilizer at planting, supplemented with potassium 2-3 months after planting to support tuber bulking; excessive nitrogen promotes excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development.

Cassava is a tropical crop requiring consistent warm temperatures between 77-90°F (25-32°C) for optimal growth. It is highly frost-sensitive, with temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causing foliage damage and root growth cessation, and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures killing the plant entirely.

Pruning is not required for cassava, but cutting back 20-30% of foliage 6-8 months after planting can redirect energy to tuber development and increase final harvest yield. Remove any yellowed, diseased, or pest-damaged leaves throughout the growing season to reduce the spread of pathogens and improve air circulation around the plant.

Cassava is almost exclusively propagated vegetatively using 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) long mature stem cuttings taken from 8-12 month old healthy plants, as seed-grown plants produce inconsistent tuber size and quality. Plant cuttings at a 45-degree angle in moist soil 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) deep at the start of the wet season, with rooting and new foliage growth typically occurring within 1-2 weeks.

Cassava thrives in moderate to high humidity levels of 60-90%, typical of its native tropical range, though it tolerates lower humidity during extended dry periods once established. Very low humidity can increase leaf drop and reduce photosynthetic capacity, slowing tuber development, while extremely high humidity paired with poor air circulation increases the risk of foliar fungal diseases.

Cassava is rarely grown in containers long-term, as it requires ample root space to develop harvestable tubers. If grown in pots for ornamental or research purposes, repot young plants annually into larger containers with fresh, well-drained potting mix, moving to 15-20 gallon containers for full root development if you intend to harvest tubers.