raf
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Posts: 42
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Post by raf on Jan 2, 2021 9:23:20 GMT -6
Has anyone in the group grown Sugar Cane in Zone 7 or lower? From what I've read it can be done but may not behave as a perennial like it does in warmer climates? We've toyed with sorghum before & planted a stand last year from what I can gather Sugar Cane grows in a similar manner?
I'm expecting 10-15# of cane from an Alabama friend this week (if it's not delayed in transit) I'm thinking I'll plant some in the garden with lots of mulch and plant some in the greenhouse, in the event the garden plants fail.
I'd be grateful for any insight from any who've grown it before.
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raf
New Member
Posts: 42
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Post by raf on Jan 2, 2021 16:11:59 GMT -6
The sorghum did well, we don't have the means to press it for juice right now but I hope to juice the sugar cane. I've been planting yaupon the last 2 years and I'll need some sweetener for my caffine. I don't know that I'll ever be able to but my overarching goal is to be able to provide the bulk of my needs from our place, we get closer to closing the loop every year.
I like to experiment in the garden and like to learn of others experiments/experiences, I'm glad the flower bush is working out. If I don't have some plantings just for fun I lose motivation, I think it's helpful for the spirit to stay engaged.
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Post by macmex on Jan 2, 2021 17:15:04 GMT -6
Raf, you amaze me with all the experimentation you do. I've grown sorghum in Oklahoma and in Central Mexico, but never sugar cane. Been around sugar cane in hot country, in Mexico, but don't personally know anyone growing it.
I always dreamed of pressing the sorghum, but presses are expensive and the process is pretty long, to produce sorghum. I produce honey on our place, but that's not easy as pie either.
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raf
New Member
Posts: 42
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Post by raf on Jan 7, 2021 18:27:04 GMT -6
Sugar cane showed up today, he sent 7 or 8# I'd guess. Probably 25' total, so that'll be enough to plant a 24' row (the girls and I had to sample a piece.The taste reminded me of a really good apple, of course its woody so the fibers have to be spit out after chewing but it was pleasant overall. I'll poke a stick ot two in the greenhouse just to watch it.
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Post by macmex on Jan 7, 2021 19:03:49 GMT -6
We lived for some years in Central Mexico. When our kids were little, if we traveled through sugar cane country, I'd pick them up some to chew on. Everyone loved it.
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raf
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Posts: 42
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Post by raf on Jan 10, 2021 13:22:28 GMT -6
Planted the Sugar Cane this afternoon, I kept 4 canes out to start in the greenhouse. Fingers crossed they come up, we mulched them heavily and planted them rather deep. From what I've read they'll tolerate being planted up to a foot deep, we went about half of that.
Also planted Jerusalem Artichoke (Thank you George) I'm looking forward to getting them established. According to Feedipedia they're a very balanced feed for rabbits and we're looking forward to eating some as well.
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raf
New Member
Posts: 42
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Post by raf on Jan 15, 2021 6:51:19 GMT -6
I thought I'd attached a picture but apparently didn't. Some of the cane only has 1 "eye" or node so Tater Rai (my youngest) made sure to face those nodes horizontally. From what I've read it's best if each cane has 2 nodes, on the nodes is a bump that will either develop into cane or roots. Canes with 2 nodes should be planted one up and one down. Apparently it has to be cut into segments, if not the firat cane to reach the surface will prevent the other nodes from developing into canes.
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Post by macmex on Jul 1, 2021 7:43:19 GMT -6
Did the sugar cane survive the arctic blast in February?
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