What grows in Sigwe
Shiselweni, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Sigwe
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | September 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 726 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 +1.3 °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 Sigwe
-
MangoFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.5–16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.6–8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PineappleFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
37.9–39.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 52.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.6–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
21.7–23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 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 — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 15 Sep 2026 – 5 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 4.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 4.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TomatoFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 6 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericModeratePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.5 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 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 17.1 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 Sigwe with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 54.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Steep slope -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 79.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Sigwe
Every crop in the catalogue is scored against this district, not only the ones that work — so the list above is a decision rather than a shortlist. These are the rest, with what ruled each one out.
- Banana Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cashew Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Water
- Enset Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 16 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Sigwe, 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
162 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Durban Fresh Produce Market
328 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
361 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Sigwe?
Mango, Jute mallow, Pineapple, Finger millet, Niger seed all rate well in Sigwe — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Sigwe?
In Sigwe the window for Mango runs 15 Nov 2026 to 24 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Sigwe?
Divisi does. It reads Sigwe'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 Sigwe, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.