What grows in Grootfontein
Otjozondjupa, Namibia
The 2026/27 season in Grootfontein
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | December 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 508 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 +1.9 °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 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 short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 118 growing days · about 510 mm · December to April |
|---|---|
| 4% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 136 growing days · about 580 mm · November to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Grootfontein
95% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 42 crops
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.5–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.7 t/ha expected
· about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SorghumFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.1–3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
FonioFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
27.5–33.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Green gramFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Common beanFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CottonFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
SesameFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MangoFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MoringaFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CarrotFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TomatoFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CashewFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
OnionFavourable
Plant 27 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 4 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
ChilliFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
KaleFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
RiceModeratePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceModeratePlant 15 Feb 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range
4% highland, semi-arid, warm — 45 crops
-
LablabFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLimited rooting depth -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Green gramFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
31.9–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.8 t/ha expected
· about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
MangoFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
FonioFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
MaizeFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.3 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
OkraFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 2 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 21 Feb 2027 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TomatoFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MoringaFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
EggplantFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
ChilliFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
KaleFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceModeratePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot 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 Grootfontein with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
GuavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 105.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 52.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
CassavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.9 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range
What Divisi would not plant in Grootfontein
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.
- Cassava Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Unsuitable
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Grapefruit Unsuitable — Water
- Guava Unsuitable — Water
- Lemon Unsuitable — Water
- Lime Unsuitable — Water
- Mandarin Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
- Yam Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 26 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Grootfontein, 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
-
Rundu Fresh Produce Business Hub
195 km · Maize, Pearl millet, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Windhoek Fresh Produce Market
402 km · Tomato, Onion, Irish potato, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Grootfontein?
Lablab, Green gram, Pearl millet, Common bean, Cowpea all rate well in Grootfontein — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Lablab in Grootfontein?
In Grootfontein the window for Lablab runs 2 Dec 2026 to 11 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Grootfontein?
Divisi does. It reads Grootfontein'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 Grootfontein, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.