What grows in Siphofaneni
Lubombo, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Siphofaneni
| 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 687 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 | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Siphofaneni
-
MangoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 6 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 -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 25 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 -
LablabFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 9 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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.3–3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
29.9–31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 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 -
Green gramFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 9 Mar 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.7–8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PineappleFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
41.0–42.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 56.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SesameFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
FonioFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 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 5 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 10 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 11 Dec 2026 – 19 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 -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 15.0 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 1.8 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 5 Feb 2027 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 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 -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 15 Sep 2026 – 25 Sep 2026 closed for this season
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 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 -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 3 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 1 Sep 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 48 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
WheatModeratePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 29 Sep 2026 closed for this season
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
LettuceModeratePlant 21 Feb 2027 – 23 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 17 Sep 2026 – 27 Sep 2026 closed for this season
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 40.0 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 Siphofaneni 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 58.5 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 112.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
BeetrootFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 40.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
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 -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 52.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Siphofaneni
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.
- Beetroot 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
- Sweet potato 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 — Water
- 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; 17 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Siphofaneni, 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 Siphofaneni
- 31 August 2026 Banana Plantain — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Water
- 31 August 2026 Fonio — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Temperature
- 31 August 2026 Fonio — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 31 August 2026 Fonio — Planting window moved, now opens 16 Nov 2026
- 31 August 2026 Cucumber — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Temperature
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
123 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
366 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
366 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Siphofaneni?
Mango, Egusi melon, Lablab, Pearl millet, Sorghum all rate well in Siphofaneni — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Siphofaneni?
In Siphofaneni the window for Mango runs 10 Nov 2026 to 29 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Siphofaneni?
Divisi does. It reads Siphofaneni'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 Siphofaneni, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.