2026 Planting Guide
Fall cropWhen to Plant Sugarcane in Brazil
Complete guide to growing sugarcane 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 sugarcane growing season in Brazil.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
20°C (68°F) minimum
Growing Period
300-540 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 sugarcane in Brazil.
January - March
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
April - November
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
December
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
Best Sugarcane Varieties for Brazil
These varieties have proven performance in Brazil's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RB 966928 | Brazil climate |
| 2 | CTC 4 | Brazil climate |
| 3 | SP 80-3280 | Brazil climate |
| 4 | RB 855156 | Brazil climate |
| 5 | CTC 20 | Brazil climate |
Growing Tips for Brazil
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Brazil farmers.
Brazil is world's #1 sugarcane producer — Sao Paulo state leads
Cana-de-ano: planted Sep-Nov, harvested 12 months later
Cana-de-ano-e-meio: planted Jan-Mar, harvested 18 months later
Mechanized harvest replaced burning — green cane harvest standard
Ethanol production from sugarcane is major industry
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Sugarcane borer
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Termites
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Whitefly
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Red rot
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Smut
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside sugarcane, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
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 sugarcane in Brazil?
The optimal planting window for sugarcane in Brazil is September 1 to March 31. Soil temperature should reach at least 20°C (68°F) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 300-540 days.
What varieties of sugarcane grow best in Brazil?
The best varieties for Brazil include RB 966928, CTC 4, SP 80-3280, RB 855156, CTC 20. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest sugarcane in Brazil?
The harvest window for sugarcane in Brazil is typically April 1 to November 30. The crop takes 300-540 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.