Yuca (cassava) is an attractive and easy-to-grow starchy root vegetable. Growing cassava in Florida is a no brainer, as maintenance is low and harvests are abundant.
Yuca grows as a perennial plant where it’s warm enough, and will die off in the winter where it’s not. Also known as manioc, tapioca, manihot, cassava is a staple crop to keep around and harvest continually. Yuca contains cyanide and should NOT be eaten raw. Be sure to boil before eating.
| Cassava | Manihot esculenta |
| USDA zone | Zone 9 and up |
| Season (FL) | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Soil type | Well-draining soil |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Regular, but not saturated |
| Mature plant size | 6-8’ tall and several feet wide |
| Harvest in | 8-11 months |
| Edible parts | Roots and leaves (after boiled) |
Growing cassava in Florida
Yuca (cassava) grows in tropical and subtropical regions, making it an easy crop for south and central Florida. If grown in North Florida, yuca may die back when it’s cold and then show up again when temperatures warm up.
Yuca grows in full sun. Any shade will result in smaller roots. Grow in well drained soil, with enough water but not saturated, as sogginess will cause roots to rot.
When to plant and harvest cassava
Cassava is best planted in the spring to take advantage of the longest growing season. It will not grow in the cold. For best results, roots should be harvested 8-11 months after planting.
What you’ll need for growing cassava
Yuca is propagated by cuttings. I ordered mine on Etsy.
How to plant cassava
Stick your yuca cuttings in the ground vertically.
Yuca can be started in pots or trays, in the kitchen or in a greenhouse. This will extend the growing season if started in late winter before the risk of frost has passed. Transplant in the ground when the soil warms up, or keep in pots if growing in cold climates.
Growing cassava in containers
Cassava can be grown in a pot on a balcony or by a kitchen window, provided it gets plenty of sunlight. The bigger the container the better, or you’ll end up with tiny edible roots…which is still better than no edible roots!
Caring for your yuca plants
Yuca plants hardly require care, which makes them such an easy staple crop. However, cutting back on their height once in a while will encourage more root growth.
To grow new yuca plants, save cuttings from 1’ above the ground, each cutting about 4-6” long. When the time is right, these will be planted directly in the ground.
Suggested recipe for cassava
WARNING: Yuca contains cyanide – be sure to boil before consuming.
Otherwise, cassava makes excellent gluten free snacks. Similar to a potato, you can boil and eat is mashed, smashed or fried.
Sources
https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2017/06/09/cassava-a-crop-for-the-back-forty/