Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass native to China. It has been cultivated in India and China for more than 3,000 years. Grow it in full sun to partial shade in the ground or in large containers. Mulch well and water regularly. Overall plant height can be several feet tall with 3 foot strap like leaves on canes up to 2 inches in diameter.

John Derrick
Published by: John C. Derrick
Editor / Founder
Hardy Sugar Cane, Purple Sugar Cane (Saccharum Officinarum) Image

You can enjoy chewing on the sweet cane centers in fall when are ready for harvest. Sugarcane flowers in the fall with giant plum-like tufts atop the mature canes. Plant can be easily propagated by planting stem cuttings in soil.

Additional Classification Data

Genus: Saccharum
Species: Officinarum
Cultivar: None Identified

Hardiness Zones

USDA Zone 8a: to 10 °F

USDA Zone 8b: to 15 °F

USDA Zone 9a: to 20 °F

USDA Zone 9b: to 25 °F

Plant Height

Height 6-8 ft.

Height 8-10 ft.

Height 10-12 ft.

Height 12-15 ft.

Height 15-20 ft.

Light Exposure

Light - Full Sun

Light - 10% to 40% Shade

Growth Rate

Rate - Fast

Rate - Very Fast

Published/Updated on: 01-20-2021