What grows in Maphalaleni
Hhohho, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Maphalaleni
| 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 1,110 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 | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 92% of this area. |
| 92% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 250 growing days · about 960 mm · September to June |
|---|---|
| 4% | enough rain for a long crop, or two in a year; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 270 growing days · about 1,160 mm · September to June |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Maphalaleni
92% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 60 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
11.4–11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MangoFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.5–17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 8 Sep 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 1 Sep 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 20.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 27 Sep 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PapayaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 53.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 20.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EnsetFavourablePlant 15 Aug 2027 – 4 Sep 2027 opens in 45 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
18.3–18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 21 Sep 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 1 Sep 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 13 Sep 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SesameFavourablePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 28 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 44.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 19.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
· about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TeaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MoringaFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.0–12.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 17.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 12 Nov 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 23 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 · about 4.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 5 Sep 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TeffFavourablePlant 3 Mar 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 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 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CottonFavourablePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
ChilliFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
EggplantFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RiceModeratePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 30 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamModeratePlant 23 Aug 2026 – 2 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 30 Apr 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericModeratePlant 31 Aug 2026 – 20 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageModeratePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 42.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GarlicModeratePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 11.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)
4% lowland, humid, mild winter — 56 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 8 Sep 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LemonFavourablePlant 8 Sep 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 15 Aug 2026 – 24 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
21.2–21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
MangoFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SorghumFavourablePlant 8 Sep 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 8 Sep 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LablabFavourablePlant 8 Sep 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 12 Sep 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 15 Aug 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
12.1–12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 20.0 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 28 Aug 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Sep 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
· about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Green gramFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 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 20 Sep 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PapayaFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 53.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 44.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 19.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MaizeFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OkraFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Common beanFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 19 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EnsetFavourablePlant 15 Aug 2027 – 4 Sep 2027 opens in 45 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TeffFavourablePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 4.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 15 Aug 2027 – 4 Sep 2027 opens in 45 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EggplantFavourablePlant 24 Sep 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
ChilliFavourablePlant 24 Sep 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MandarinFavourablePlant 15 Aug 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SesameFavourablePlant 10 Sep 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 20.9 t/ha
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
BananaFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 46.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TeaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CabbageFavourablePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 42.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 4 Sep 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GarlicFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 11.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutModeratePlant 8 Sep 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GingerModeratePlant 15 Aug 2027 – 14 Sep 2027 opens in 45 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 11.5 t/ha
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)
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 Divisi would not plant in Maphalaleni
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.
- Egusi melon Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cassava Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cashew Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 12 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Maphalaleni, 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 firstWhat changed in Maphalaleni
- 2 September 2026 Lime — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Avocado — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Cashew — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Mango — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Lemon — Crop became recommendable
This 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
128 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
318 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
326 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Maphalaleni?
Lemon, Sweet orange, Avocado, Guava, Mango all rate well in Maphalaleni — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Lemon in Maphalaleni?
In Maphalaleni the window for Lemon runs 8 Sep 2026 to 7 Mar 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Maphalaleni?
Divisi does. It reads Maphalaleni'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 Maphalaleni, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.