What grows in Mhlangatane
Hhohho, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Mhlangatane
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 683 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 86% of this area. |
| 86% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 196 growing days · about 690 mm · October to April |
|---|---|
| 14% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 198 growing days · about 730 mm · October to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Mhlangatane
86% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 55 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.7–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
31.9–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.5–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.5–2.8 t/ha expected
· about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 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 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 8 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
PineappleFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 49.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 16.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 30 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 27 Sep 2026 – 7 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamModeratePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericModeratePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
14% sub-humid, mild winter — 54 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.3–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.5–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
31.5–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.1–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.6–3.0 t/ha expected
· about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PineappleFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 49.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SesameFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 16.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 29 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 27 Sep 2026 – 6 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 17 Feb 2027 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 27 Sep 2026 – 6 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
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 Mhlangatane 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 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 53.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 99.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming
What Divisi would not plant in Mhlangatane
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.
- Sweet potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Niger seed Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Beetroot Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Wheat Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Water
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable — Temperature
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 19 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mhlangatane, 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
89 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
348 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
362 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Mhlangatane?
Mango, Fonio, Lablab, Bambara groundnut, Pearl millet all rate well in Mhlangatane — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Mhlangatane?
In Mhlangatane the window for Mango runs 29 Oct 2026 to 17 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mhlangatane?
Divisi does. It reads Mhlangatane'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 Mhlangatane, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.