WhatsAppYou do not need a permanent swamp to grow Dasheen nduma. Dasheen grows in both upland and lowland regions when it gets reasonable irrigation. The crop fails on upland when farmers treat it like a dry cereal. Water is the crop’s job description for at least six months.
1. Start with the right suckers/seedlings
Make sure you source high-quality Dasheen suckers - not random market leftovers. We sell stems at Ksh 10 from Meru, with Nairobi collection and delivery on request. Full agronomy lives in the Dasheen farming guide.
2. Upland water design (keep it practical)
- Secure a water source before planting 20,000 suckers.
- Use clean irrigation water free from impurities.
- Mulch with grass to reduce evaporation.
- Plan watering for at least 6 months after planting.
- Remember: about 30% of potential yield is lost if irrigation is insufficient.
Trenches, lined beds, or drip can all work. The goal is steady moisture at the root zone without drowning crowns after storms. Dasheen is rarely hit by rot compared with many types, but sitting water still invites trouble.
3. Planting on upland soil
- Weed-free field.
- Holes 20–30 cm deep.
- 500 g well-decomposed farmyard manure per hole.
- One sucker per hole, touching the bottom, light soil cover.
- Goat or cow manure top-up after 2 weeks - not chicken or pig manure.
- Spacing 50 cm × 40 cm (~20,000 suckers/acre).
4. Counties we hear from often
Meru growers collect at the farm. Nairobi and Kiambu farmers often use Nairobi collection. Other counties: delivery on request for sensible order sizes.
5. Harvest still needs patience
Even on perfect water, dig too early and you get soggy or hard tubers that will not cook. Give Dasheen its full 6–8 months - especially the final two - so tubers harden for the pot and for buyers who want ~0.5 kg pieces.