Seed Cane – Viability in South Georgia

Q: My husband gave me a stalk of something called seed cane from south Georgia. Can I plant it in my garden?

A: Seed cane is a mature stalk of sugar cane that has buds from which more plants can grow. Sugar cane has been grown in the lower part of Georgia for hundreds of years, mostly for home consumption of the syrup. This grassy plant needs sandy soil, regular feeding, a long growing season and adequate summer watering. You can plant it in a protected spot but I can’t guarantee it will survive winter. If it does, you can harvest stalks in November and chew them for sweetness.