2026 Planting Guide

Fall crop

When to Plant Coffee in Brazil

Plant October 1March 31Harvest May 1September 30730-1095 days (first harvest year 3) growing period

Complete guide to growing coffee in Brazil with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from national agricultural research organizations and FAO.

Monthly Planting Calendar

Visual overview of the coffee growing season in Brazil.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
Plant
Plant
Grow
Harvest
Harvest
Harvest
Harvest
Harvest
Plant
Plant
Plant
Plant: October 1 - March 31GrowHarvest: May 1 - September 30

Quick Facts

Min. Soil Temp

18°C (64°F) minimum

32F50F65F80F

Growing Period

730-1095 days (first harvest year 3)

From planting to harvest

Last Spring Frost

N/A

Tropical climate

First Fall Frost

N/A

No frost risk

Monthly Task Timeline

Month-by-month guide for managing coffee in Brazil.

January - March

Plant

Prepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.

April

Grow & Monitor

Irrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.

May - September

Harvest

Check maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.

October - December

Plant

Prepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.

Best Coffee Varieties for Brazil

These varieties have proven performance in Brazil's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.

#VarietyBest For
1Catuai VermelhoBrazil climate
2Mundo NovoBrazil climate
3BourbonBrazil climate
4ObataBrazil climate
5CatucaiBrazil climate

Growing Tips for Brazil

Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Brazil farmers.

1

Brazil is world's #1 coffee producer — Minas Gerais (Cerrado Mineiro) and Sao Paulo lead

2

Arabica in highlands (800-1,300m); Robusta (Conilon) in Espirito Santo lowlands

3

Plant at onset of rainy season (Oct-Dec) for root establishment

4

Coffee berry borer (broca) — integrated management with traps and Beauveria bassiana

5

Prune after harvest to maintain productive wood

Pest & Disease Watch

Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.

Coffee berry borer

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Coffee leaf rust

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Stem borer

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Root-knot nematode

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Antestia bug

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Companion Planting

These plants grow well alongside coffee, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.

Banana (shade)
Macadamia (shade)
Pepper vines
Leguminous cover crops

Frost Dates

No Frost Risk

Brazil has a tropical or subtropical climate. Frost is generally not a concern, but altitude-dependent cold spells can occur in some areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant coffee in Brazil?

The optimal planting window for coffee in Brazil is October 1 to March 31. Soil temperature should reach at least 18°C (64°F) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 730-1095 days (first harvest year 3).

What varieties of coffee grow best in Brazil?

The best varieties for Brazil include Catuai Vermelho, Mundo Novo, Bourbon, Obata, Catucai. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.

When can I harvest coffee in Brazil?

The harvest window for coffee in Brazil is typically May 1 to September 30. The crop takes 730-1095 days (first harvest year 3) from planting to reach maturity.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from EMBRAPA (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria), CONAB, and state extension services. Last updated: March 2026.

Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.