Does cassava have growth seasons? How do I know my cassava is ready for harvest?

Cassava is a major tropical crop that plays a vital role in food security and industrial starch production in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. As a professional manufacturer of cassava starch processing equipment, Henan Jinrui understands that understanding the correct cassava harvest time is crucial for maximizing starch yield and quality.

In this article, we answer two common questions from cassava growers and processors: Does cassava have seasons? How do I know my cassava is ready for harvest?

Does Cassava Have Growing Seasons?

The answer is yes. Cassava has a harvest season, but this season is not fixed; its "season" is primarily determined by rainfall and drought.

Regions with distinct wet and dry seasons:

In regions with distinct rainy and dry seasons, cassava is planted and grown during the rainy season. When the rainy season ends and the dry season arrives, it signals the time to harvest. The stimulus of drought causes the cassava to shift energy from leaf growth to storing starch in its roots to survive the drought. Therefore, the dry season is when the cassava tubers (the part we eat) swell, accumulate starch, and are harvested. Harvesting cassava during the dry season also avoids the effects of high moisture content during the rainy season on the tuber quality.

Cassava harvest seasons

Regions with year-round rainfall:

In regions with year-round rainfall and no distinct rainy or dry season, the cassava harvest season depends on the cassava's growing cycle. Generally, the cassava growing cycle lasts for about 8-10 months. The maturity of the cassava can be determined by recording and observing changes in the cassava's condition.

How do I know my cassava is ready for harvest?

Here, Henan Jinrui has prepared a professional guide to determining cassava maturity. From leaf and root changes to internal starch accumulation, we'll systematically answer the question: "How do I know my cassava is ready for harvest?" to help you accurately grasp the optimal harvest time.

Cassava maturity

1. Observe Leaf Changes

Mature cassava will exhibit distinct characteristics of the late growth cycle: the lower, older leaves begin to yellow, dry up, and fall off in large numbers.

2. Inspect the Roots

Randomly select one or two plants, carefully dig up the soil, and examine the tubers. Mature cassava tubers will have a darker skin (dark brown) and a firm, woody texture. Mature tubers are thick, plump, and heavy to the touch.

3. Consider Starch Content

Harvesting at maturity ensures the cassava's starch content reaches its peak, between 20% and 30%, ensuring optimal yield and taste, whether consumed fresh or processed into starch.

Cassava processing business

How to maximize the value of cassava after harvest?

Having mastered the timing of cassava harvesting, the next key is maximizing its value. Many growers are accustomed to selling their harvested cassava directly, but this approach not only offers low prices but also carries significant risk of loss due to cassava's high perishability. To truly increase value, they must shift to value-added cassava processing—transforming fresh cassava into commodities such as garri, cassava flour, and cassava starch. These processed products enjoy stable market demand and are durable in storage. They can not only command significantly higher prices than the raw material but also effectively mitigate spoilage losses, ultimately maximizing every harvested crop.

The above is Henan Jinrui's guide to determining cassava harvest timing and increasing its value. From precisely determining harvest times to maximizing product value, we are committed to providing comprehensive support for your cassava business. If you have a large cassava harvest and are interested in converting it into more valuable products such as garri, cassava flour, or starch, Henan Jinrui's professional processing equipment solutions are the ideal choice. Contact us today and let's work together to maximize the value of your cassava harvest!