Cassava
Manihot esculenta · Euphorbiaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around cassava and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Form
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (tropical to subtropical climate)
- Origin
- South America (Amazon basin)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant
- Edible parts
- Tuberous roots (after processing)
Care
Light exposure
Cassava thrives in full sun, with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours daily. A sunny exposure stimulates vigorous growth and tuberization. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Watering
Water regularly during the growth period, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the dry season or when the plant slows its growth. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Soil
Cassava adapts to many soil types, from sandy to loamy. Well-drained soil rich in organic matter promotes optimal tuber development. Avoid overly compact or waterlogged soils.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 months during the active growth phase. Extra potassium can improve tuberization. Reduce applications toward the end of the plant's cycle.
Pruning and training
Cassava requires little natural pruning. Remove dead or diseased branches. Light cutting back can encourage branching, but only do this if you wish to control the shrub's shape.
Pests and diseases
Watch for mealybugs and whiteflies in protected environments. Root rot occurs with excessive moisture. Adequate ventilation and proper watering prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
Cassava, domesticated by pre-Columbian Amazonian peoples over 8,000 years ago, has become one of the world's three most important starch sources, feeding more than a billion people. Its leaves are as protein-rich as some legumes, making it a valuable resource for global food security.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Wood spurgeEuphorbia amygdaloides
- Caper spurgeEuphorbia lathyris
- Albanian spurgeEuphorbia characias
- Spiny spurgeEuphorbia spinosa
- Garden crotonCodiaeum variegatum
- Griffith's spurgeEuphorbia griffithii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.