5 Seeds Cassava Manihot esculenta Tropical Tapioca Root Crop

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a tropical root crop grown for its starchy tuberous roots, which are a staple food in many warm-climate regions. Also known as yuca or tapioca, this vigorous shrubby plant produces lobed green foliage and sizable edible roots when grown in a long, warm season.
In the garden, cassava works as an ornamental tropical foliage plant as well as a productive root crop. The roots are used much like potatoes, boiled, fried, or grated; note that proper preparation is essential as raw roots contain naturally occurring compounds. Plants grow quickly in heat and full sun, reaching harvestable size in roughly 8 to 12 months.
Species: Manihot esculenta
Type: Tropical root crop
Plant_Habit: Upright shrubby perennial
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam
Days_to_Harvest: 240-360
Zones: 9-11
Germination: 14-30 days at 70-85F
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly cover, keep warm and moist
Spacing: 36-48 inches
Notes: Grows best in frost-free tropical and subtropical climates