Rox Orange Syrup Cane is a vibrant heirloom sugarcane variety prized for its thick, juicy stalks rich with sweet, old-fashioned syrup flavor and warm orange tones. Plants grow tall and striking, typically reaching 8–12 feet in height, with graceful arching leaves and feathery plume blooms that can rise 1–2 feet above the foliage when flowering conditions are right. This cane is loved for its exceptional syrup quality that delivers deep, complex sweetness, its ornamental presence that adds a tropical look to gardens and homesteads, its strong and vigorous growth habit, its historical value as a traditional Southern syrup cane, its versatility for syrup making, chewing, or fresh juice, and its ability to thrive in warm growing regions with relatively simple care. Growing your own Rox Orange Syrup Cane brings the satisfaction of harvesting fresh stalks, producing homemade syrup from start to finish, and a bold, eye-catching plant that is as beautiful in the landscape as it is rewarding at harvest time or for decorations.

Also Known As: Rox Orange Sorghum, Syrup Cane, Sweet Sorghum, Sorghum Bicolor, African Millet, Sugar Drip, Orange Syrup Cane, Chinese Sugar Cane, Sorgo De Azúcar, Melaza De Caña, Amber Cane, Heritage Syrup Sorghum, Forage Sorghum, Silage Sorghum, Sweet Stalk Sorghum.

Plant Name:	Sorghum, Rox Orange Sugar Cane
Latin Name:	Sorghum bicolor
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	100
Plant Height:	6 - 16 Feet
Spread:	2 - 3 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	2-12
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier.

Planting:

Sorghum are best direct-sown because they don’t transplant well. Plant Sorghum outdoors in spring when soil temperatures warm to at least 60F. To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 3-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Optionally, apply again mid-season in nutrient-poor soil. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest Rox Orange Syrup Cane Sorghum in late summer to early fall, once the stalks are fully mature, tall, and firm, and the leaves begin to dry and yellow, indicating peak sugar content. Cut the canes cleanly at ground level using a sharp machete or pruners, then strip off the leaves and tops to expose the juicy stalks. Process the cane as soon as possible after cutting—ideally within 24 hours—to extract the juice and cook it down into rich, flavorful syrup. Delaying processing can reduce sugar quality, so prompt harvesting ensures the best sweetness and yield.