What grows in Khoelenya
Mohale's Hoek, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Khoelenya
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 614 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 short crop, and only if timed to it, warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 4 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 50% of this area. |
| 50% | 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 610 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 41% | 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 590 mm · November to May |
| 6% | enough rain for one full main crop; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 195 growing days · about 660 mm · October to May |
| 3% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 160 growing days · about 630 mm · November to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Khoelenya
50% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 37 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
21.9–26.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.0–8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
· about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.0–3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 8 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
· about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.4 t/ha expected
· about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
African eggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 22.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 58.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 17.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 40.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 33.1 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GarlicModeratePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 14.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
41% lowland, semi-arid, mild winter — 40 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.9–9.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
23.6–28.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.9–19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.4–4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
· about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.2–19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
18.3–22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLimited rooting depth -
SorghumFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
2.0–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 22.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TomatoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 58.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 17.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Green gramFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
· about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
· about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 40.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 33.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GroundnutModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SesameModeratePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GarlicModeratePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 14.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
3% semi-arid, mild winter — 38 crops
-
LablabFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.5–0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.4–20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.0–13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
5.3–6.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.8 t/ha expected
· about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WheatFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CucumberFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.9–13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.5–15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SorghumModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SoybeanModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Bambara groundnutModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
FonioModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 22.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TobaccoModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 17.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Green gramModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
MaizeModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
AmaranthModeratePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CowpeaModeratePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraModeratePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotModeratePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantModeratePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 8 Feb 2027 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
· about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OnionModerate
Plant 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 8 Feb 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 t/ha expected
· about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
EggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 40.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
ChilliModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 33.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 14.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
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 Khoelenya
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
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sweet orange Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mango 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
- Guava Unsuitable
- Lime Unsuitable
- Moringa Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Papaya Unsuitable
- Pearl millet Unsuitable — Temperature
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable
- Pineapple Unsuitable
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Roselle Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 34 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Khoelenya, 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
-
Durban Fresh Produce Market
334 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
453 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Khoelenya?
Niger seed, Sunflower, Watermelon, Beetroot, Common bean all rate well in Khoelenya — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Niger seed in Khoelenya?
In Khoelenya the window for Niger seed runs 7 Jan 2027 to 6 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Khoelenya?
Divisi does. It reads Khoelenya'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 Khoelenya, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.