As a horticulturist with a focus on agricultural science, I can tell you that the time it takes to grow and harvest sugar cane can vary significantly depending on the variety, growing conditions, and the specific agricultural practices employed.

Sugar cane is a perennial crop, which means it can be harvested for several years once established. However, the typical cultivation cycle for sugar cane is as follows:


1. Planting: Sugar cane is usually planted in the spring or early summer.

2. Growth Period: It takes about 10 to 20 months for sugar cane to reach maturity after planting, depending on the variety and the climate. Some varieties can be ready in as little as 10 months, while others may take up to 2 years.

3. Harvesting: The harvesting season can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the scale of the operation and the harvesting methods used.

The entire process from planting to harvesting can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years for most commercial sugar cane crops. It's important to note that after the initial harvest, the crop can be harvested annually for up to 3 to 5 years, depending on the health of the crop and the management practices.

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Sugar cane grows for 12 to 16 months before being harvested between June and December each year. When harvested, the cane stands two to four metres high. Queensland's sugar cane is harvested by self-propelled harvesting machines.read more >>