How to Grow Manioc

Find a soil site for your manioc plants. Manioc requires a rich, fertile and loamy soil with good drainage. Obtain a soil analysis from your university extension to familiarize yourself with your soil site's nutrient level and texture. A soil site with a gentle slope is also ideal for growing manioc, according to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

Incorporate organic matter or fertilizer into the soil. Types of organic matter include compost, manure, peat moss and cover crops. Organic matter benefits almost all types of soil and plants by improving soil tilth and increasing activity of helpful soil organisms. If your soil analysis indicates a nutrient deficiency, than add the recommended type of fertilizer as well.

Till the soil to loosen any clumps and improve tilth. For small areas, you can till the soil by double digging. With a garden spade, dig a hole about 1 foot deep and remove the dirt. Loosen the next 12 inches of dirt and turn it thoroughly. Add the topsoil back to the hole and pack it in gently. For larger areas, a rototiller may be necessary.

Plant manioc as soon as possible after the last frost of the year. This will ensure that it receives at least eight months of frost-free weather. Stem cuttings are usually used to propagate manioc. Plant the cuttings vertically at a slight angle if you have loamy soil. If your soil is sandy, plant the cuttings straight up and down. Plant the cuttings about 2 to 4 inches deep.

Space manioc rows about four feet apart from each other, with three feet of space between each plant.

Remove weeds from the planting area regularly, particularly during the early stages after planting. Manioc grows very slowly in the early stages and may be more susceptible to weed overgrowth.

Water manioc plants regularly. In the first five months after planting, manioc is especially sensitive to drought. Keep manioc soil damp but avoid waterlogged conditions.

Check your cassava plants for signs of insects, such as mealybugs, green mites, spiraling whiteflies and white scale. Diseases that commonly infest manioc include mosaic disease, blight, anthracnose and bud necrosis. You can usually prevent these problems by selecting healthy stem cuttings and using good cultural practices. If you observe signs of pests or disease, take a sample of the affected area in to your university extension to determine the best pesticide to use.

Harvest manioc about 80 days after planting. First remove the top leaf growth to make it easier to harvest the roots. Then lift the lower part of the manioc stem and pull the plant out by its roots. Be careful not to damage the root systems, since this decreases the shelf life of the manioc root.

Use manioc within a few days of harvest for maximum taste and freshness. If you want to extend the shelf life of your manioc roots to three or four weeks, you can store them in plastic bags or peel them and store in the freezer until you are ready to use them.