What grows in Gorongosa
Sofala, Moçambique
The 2026/27 season in Gorongosa
| 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 995 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 | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Gorongosa
-
CashewFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 4 Apr 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PineappleFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
44.4–46.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 9 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 18 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 9 Feb 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 9 Feb 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 9 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 9 Feb 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 13.2 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 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 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 2 Feb 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 18 Feb 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TurmericFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
SugarcaneFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 42.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 111.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 22 Apr 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
KaleFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 26 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GingerModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 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 grows in Gorongosa 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 55.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Irish potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 39.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.4 t/ha expected
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CoconutFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk
What Divisi would not plant in Gorongosa
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.
- Niger seed Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado 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
- Swiss chard Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Irish potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet potato 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
- Coconut Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Passion fruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet pepper Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Taro Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Water
- Cocoa Moderate — Water
- Oil palm Moderate — Water
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable — Temperature
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 20 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Gorongosa, 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 Gorongosa
- 2 September 2026 Banana Plantain — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Chickpea — Planting window moved, now opens 16 Nov 2026
- 2 September 2026 Passion Fruit — Planting window moved, now opens 16 Nov 2026
- 2 September 2026 Bambara Groundnut — Crop became recommendable
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
-
Mercado Municipal de Chimoio
120 km · Maize, Tomato, Irish potato, Cabbage
-
Mercado de Beira
187 km · Maize, Cassava, Tomato, Onion
-
Boka Tobacco Auction Floors
338 km · Tobacco
Support and extension
- Programa de Desenvolvimento Inclusivo de Cadeias de Valor Agro-Alimentares
- SUSTENTA
- Autoridade Nacional de Sementes
- Direcção Nacional de Extensão Agrária
- Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Gorongosa?
Cashew, Guava, Lime, Mandarin, Mango all rate well in Gorongosa — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Cashew in Gorongosa?
In Gorongosa the window for Cashew runs 26 Oct 2026 to 4 Apr 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Gorongosa?
Divisi does. It reads Gorongosa'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 Gorongosa, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.