2026 Planting Guide

Fall crop

When to Plant Rice in Brazil

Plant October 1December 31Harvest February 15May 31100-140 days growing period

Complete guide to growing rice 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 rice growing season in Brazil.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Grow
Harvest
Harvest
Harvest
Harvest
Plant
Plant
Plant
Plant: October 1 - December 31GrowHarvest: February 15 - May 31

Quick Facts

Min. Soil Temp

20°C (68°F) minimum

32F50F65F80F

Growing Period

100-140 days

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 rice in Brazil.

January

Grow & Monitor

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

February - May

Harvest

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

June - September

Off-season

Cover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.

October - December

Plant

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

Best Rice Varieties for Brazil

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

#VarietyBest For
1IRGA 424RIBrazil climate
2BRS CatianaBrazil climate
3BRS PampaBrazil climate
4IRGA 431CLBrazil climate

Growing Tips for Brazil

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

1

Rio Grande do Sul produces 70%+ of Brazilian rice

2

Irrigated lowland (varzea) is dominant system

3

Clearfield varieties for red rice control

4

Pre-germinated seed system: soak 24-48h, drain 24h, then broadcast

Pest & Disease Watch

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

Stem borers

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Brown planthopper

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Rice blast fungus

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Leaf folder

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Rice bug

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Companion Planting

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

Azolla
Duckweed
Soybeans (rotation)
Mung beans

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 rice in Brazil?

The optimal planting window for rice in Brazil is October 1 to December 31. Soil temperature should reach at least 20°C (68°F) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 100-140 days.

What varieties of rice grow best in Brazil?

The best varieties for Brazil include IRGA 424RI, BRS Catiana, BRS Pampa, IRGA 431CL. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.

When can I harvest rice in Brazil?

The harvest window for rice in Brazil is typically February 15 to May 31. The crop takes 100-140 days 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.