What grows in Lobamba
Hhohho, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Lobamba
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | September 2026 to June 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,085 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, October, November and December look short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.5 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one full main crop, warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 67% of this area. |
| 67% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 256 growing days · about 1,030 mm · September to May |
|---|---|
| 20% | enough rain for a long crop, or two in a year; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 272 growing days · about 1,160 mm · September to June |
| 13% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 236 growing days · about 950 mm · September to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Lobamba
67% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 54 crops
-
LemonFavourablePlant 13 Sep 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GuavaFavourablePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 17.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LimeFavourablePlant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
14.3–14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 20.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PapayaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 49.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.3–13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 20.3 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EnsetFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SorghumFavourablePlant 10 Sep 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 9 Sep 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 11 Sep 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 10 Sep 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 13 Sep 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 30 Aug 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 28.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Green gramFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 26 Sep 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 8.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OkraFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 8.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 20 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeaFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 8.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeffFavourablePlant 16 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 17 Sep 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TurmericFavourablePlant 22 Aug 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 10.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
ChilliFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SesameModeratePlant 10 Sep 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutModeratePlant 10 Sep 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope
20% lowland, humid, mild winter — 61 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 3 Sep 2026 – 23 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 3 Sep 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 20.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 17.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 8.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 28.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 49.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 22.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 8.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 8.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 4 Mar 2027 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
MandarinFavourablePlant 3 Sep 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 3 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2026 – 23 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 30 Apr 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2026 – 23 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 10.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TeffFavourablePlant 16 Mar 2027 – 25 Mar 2027 opens in 24 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EnsetFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChilliFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TeaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 30 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PineappleFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 15.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
GingerModeratePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 10.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
Rain-fed. These dates are worked out from each place's own rainfall, for a field watered by the season — with irrigation a window can open earlier, close later, or come round more than once a year. Check your own field under What grows, or get the Divisi app for a calendar dated to your farm.
What grows in Lobamba with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.9 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)
What Divisi would not plant in Lobamba
Every crop in the catalogue is scored against this district, not only the ones that work — so the list above is a decision rather than a shortlist. These are the rest, with what ruled each one out.
- Banana Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Garlic Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cabbage Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Taro Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 13 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Lobamba, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstThis calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
-
Mercado Grossista do Zimpeto
157 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
304 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
306 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Lobamba?
Lemon, Lime, Niger seed, Avocado, Finger millet all rate well in Lobamba — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Lemon in Lobamba?
In Lobamba the window for Lemon runs 13 Sep 2026 to 31 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Lobamba?
Divisi does. It reads Lobamba's own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average, so the planting dates and crop shortlist on this page are the same ones the app works out for a field here — then dates each job for that field, and keeps working with no signal.
Is this exact for my own field?
No — these are readings taken across Lobamba, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.