What grows in Blantyre City
Southern, Malawi
The 2026/27 season in Blantyre City
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to June 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,118 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February 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 +1.5 °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 95% of this area. |
| 95% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 221 growing days · about 1,170 mm · October to June |
|---|---|
| 5% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 221 growing days · about 1,170 mm · October to June |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Blantyre City
95% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 60 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LimeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.4–21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MaizeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 1 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 39.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 42.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 67.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 62.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 3 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 40.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 35.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.4 t/ha expected
· about 35.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SesameFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PineappleFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
42.1–44.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 69.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
RiceFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 5.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 2 Mar 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TeaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSteep slope -
CabbageFavourablePlant 12 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 47.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
YamFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 22.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 16.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericModeratePlant 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 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonDry season too long for this crop
5% sub-humid, warm — 60 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 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 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LimeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 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 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MangoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 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 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 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 19.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SorghumFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PineappleFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 44.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 69.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 67.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 62.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
OkraFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeaFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 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 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 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 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 40.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeffFavourablePlant 1 Mar 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 35.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 20 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 21 Feb 2027 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 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
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
· about 35.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MandarinFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SesameFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 5.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EnsetFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop -
CabbageFavourablePlant 11 Mar 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 47.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TurmericFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 16.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GingerModeratePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.0 t/ha
Not enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)
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 Blantyre City with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 59.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 76.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable
What Divisi would not plant in Blantyre 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.
- Cashew Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cotton Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Banana Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cassava Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 12 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Blantyre 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 firstWhat changed in Blantyre City
- 2 September 2026 Chickpea — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Irish Potato — Limiting factor changed
- 2 September 2026 Sunflower — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Wheat — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Wheat — Planting window moved, now opens 16 Dec 2026
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
-
Limbe Produce Market
9 km · Maize, Tomato, Common bean, Pigeon pea
-
Kanengo Auction Floors
248 km · Tobacco
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 Blantyre City?
Avocado, Bambara groundnut, Finger millet, Fonio, Guava all rate well in Blantyre City — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Avocado in Blantyre City?
In Blantyre City the window for Avocado runs 12 Oct 2026 to 9 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Blantyre City?
Divisi does. It reads Blantyre 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 Blantyre 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.