What grows in Mtsambama
Shiselweni, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Mtsambama
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | September 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 808 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 +1.4 °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 Mtsambama
-
MangoFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.5–17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 19 Sep 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 22.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.9–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.4–11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 19.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GuavaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.7–17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 25.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 21 Aug 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 46 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 60.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SorghumFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MoringaFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 54.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 7.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CarrotFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CucumberFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OkraFavourablePlant 29 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WheatFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 5.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CottonFavourablePlant 31 Aug 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EnsetFavourablePlant 20 Aug 2027 – 9 Sep 2027 opens in 46 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 22 Aug 2027 – 11 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 12 Sep 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
PineappleFavourablePlant 22 Aug 2027 – 11 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 22 Aug 2027 – 2 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RoselleFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TurmericFavourablePlant 22 Aug 2027 – 11 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 17.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameModeratePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 0.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 20 Aug 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 46 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 14.0 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 Mtsambama 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 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 54.4 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable
What Divisi would not plant in Mtsambama
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
- Rice Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Banana Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Yam Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Water
- Cabbage Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Taro Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
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 Mtsambama, 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 Mtsambama
- 31 August 2026 Beetroot — Forecast basis changed, now based on the forecast-adjusted
- 31 August 2026 Beetroot — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 31 August 2026 Beetroot — Planting window moved, now opens 30 Nov 2026
- 31 August 2026 Chickpea — Forecast basis changed, now based on the forecast-adjusted
- 31 August 2026 Chickpea — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
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
172 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Durban Fresh Produce Market
334 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
334 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Mtsambama?
Mango, Lime, Lemon, Avocado, Guava all rate well in Mtsambama — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Mtsambama?
In Mtsambama the window for Mango runs 8 Nov 2026 to 6 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mtsambama?
Divisi does. It reads Mtsambama'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 Mtsambama, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.