What grows in Mzuzu City
Northern, Malawi
The 2026/27 season in Mzuzu City
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to June 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,120 mm |
| This season's rain | Rain close to usual — plan around about 1,120 mm falling roughly when it always does |
| 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 all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 82% of this area. |
| 82% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 214 growing days · about 1,110 mm · November to June |
|---|---|
| 18% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 250 growing days · about 1,220 mm · November to July |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Mzuzu City
82% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 58 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChilliFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 9 Apr 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 13.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
KaleFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 4 Nov 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 29 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 29 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 16.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
· about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 1 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PineappleFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 39.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 56.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EnsetFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
22.4–23.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Arabica coffeeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SesameFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RoselleFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BananaFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 55.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GingerModeratePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 16.0 t/ha
Not enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
18% sub-humid, warm — 58 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
23.1–23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChilliFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 1 Apr 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 13.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 5 Nov 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 1 Apr 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
· about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 17 Feb 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 16.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 21 Feb 2027 – 23 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EnsetFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Arabica coffeeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PineappleFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 38.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 56.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 36.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RoselleFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BananaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 55.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GingerModeratePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 16.0 t/ha
Not 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 Mzuzu City with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
What Divisi would not plant in Mzuzu City
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.
- Moringa Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Taro Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam 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 Mzuzu City, 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
Support and extension
- Affordable Inputs Programme
- NEEF Agricultural Development Loans
- Department of Agricultural Extension Services
- Department of Agricultural Research Services
- Seed Services Unit
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Mzuzu City?
Avocado, Bambara groundnut, Finger millet, Fonio, Green gram all rate well in Mzuzu City — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Avocado in Mzuzu City?
In Mzuzu City the window for Avocado runs 14 Oct 2026 to 6 Mar 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mzuzu City?
Divisi does. It reads Mzuzu City'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 Mzuzu City, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.