How to Grow Cassava

A warm-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Cassava is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Cassava in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the cassava page for exact timing.

Varieties

Sweet cassava types, Lower-cyanide culinary cultivars (tropical nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 100 cm (39 in) between plants.
Sowing: sow about 5 cm deep.
Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 7 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Few. In humid regions, Cassava mosaic can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Cassava is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant cassava where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →