What grows in Phuthiatsana
Berea, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Phuthiatsana
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 632 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, 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 +1.8 °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 | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 83% of this area. |
| 83% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 189 growing days · about 650 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 13% | enough rain for one full main crop; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 226 growing days · about 750 mm · October to May |
| 4% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 157 growing days · about 630 mm · November to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Phuthiatsana
83% highland, sub-humid, mild winter — 38 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
22.3–27.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.0–7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.2–3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.3 t/ha expected
· about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
· about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 61.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SorghumFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
13.8–17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
· about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
· about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantModeratePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.4 t/ha expected
· about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.8 t/ha expected
· about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 27 Sep 2026 – 17 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
13% sub-humid, cool — 27 crops
-
PumpkinFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.4–14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CucumberFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.4–13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.5–0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.2–17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
13.3–16.5 t/ha expected
· about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.6–9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.1–5.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LettuceFavourablePlant 26 Jan 2027 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.2–12.9 t/ha expected
· about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SorghumModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TobaccoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Finger milletModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TomatoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 61.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
MaizeModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CarrotModeratePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OnionModerate
Plant 27 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 26 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
4% semi-arid, mild winter — 36 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
22.6–28.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.9–19.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.3–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.5–19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.2–8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
· about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
· about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
· about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutModeratePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
· about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
African eggplantModeratePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.1 t/ha expected
· about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
EggplantModeratePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 43.9 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 Divisi would not plant in Phuthiatsana
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.
- Enset Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sweet orange Moderate — Frost & pests
- Tea Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mandarin Moderate — Frost & pests
- Banana Unsuitable
- Cashew Unsuitable
- Cassava Unsuitable
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable
- Grapefruit Unsuitable
- Green gram Unsuitable — Temperature
- Guava Unsuitable
- Lime Unsuitable
- Mango Unsuitable
- Moringa Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Papaya Unsuitable
- Pearl millet Unsuitable — Temperature
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable
- Pineapple Unsuitable
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Roselle Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sesame Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 36 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Phuthiatsana, 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
-
Joburg Market
316 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Durban Fresh Produce Market
320 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
376 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Phuthiatsana?
Pumpkin, Sunflower, Cucumber, Niger seed, Common bean all rate well in Phuthiatsana — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Pumpkin in Phuthiatsana?
In Phuthiatsana the window for Pumpkin runs 16 Dec 2026 to 5 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Phuthiatsana?
Divisi does. It reads Phuthiatsana'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 Phuthiatsana, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.