2026 Planting Guide
Summer cropWhen to Plant Sugarcane in Texas
Complete guide to growing sugarcane in Texas with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from USDA and state extension services.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the sugarcane growing season in Texas. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
65°F (18°C) minimum
Growing Period
300-365 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
March 15
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
November 15
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing sugarcane in Texas.
January
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
February - July
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
August - September
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
October - December
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
Best Sugarcane Varieties for Texas
These varieties have proven performance in Texas's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HoCP 85-845 | Texas climate |
| 2 | HoCP 96-540 | Texas climate |
| 3 | L 01-299 | Texas climate |
Growing Tips for Texas
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Texas farmers.
Rio Grande Valley and Gulf Coast
Plant from late summer through fall
Ratoon crops produce 3-5 harvests from one planting
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
Last Spring Frost
March 15
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
November 15
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant sugarcane in Texas?
The optimal planting window for sugarcane in Texas is August 15 to October 31. Soil temperature should reach at least 65°F (18°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 300-365 days.
What varieties of sugarcane grow best in Texas?
The best varieties for Texas include HoCP 85-845, HoCP 96-540, L 01-299. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest sugarcane in Texas?
The harvest window for sugarcane in Texas is typically October 1 to January 31. The crop takes 300-365 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Texas Cooperative Extension Service, and NOAA frost date records. 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.