What grows in Otavi
Otjozondjupa, Namibia
The 2026/27 season in Otavi
| 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 497 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 +1.8 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it, warm 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 69% of this area. |
| 69% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 123 growing days · about 490 mm · December to April |
|---|---|
| 31% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 128 growing days · about 510 mm · December to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Otavi
69% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 44 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
28.8–34.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.4–9.3 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 26 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 8 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 -
LablabFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 9 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 -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
16.1–19.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
FonioFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLimited rooting depth -
Green gramFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SorghumFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.8–3.5 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 17 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 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) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
· about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 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 23 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 12 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 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 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 27 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CucumberFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.6 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 -
SesameFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 8 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 -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MangoFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MoringaFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MaizeFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 5 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 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.1 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 -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 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 -
WheatFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 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 -
OnionFavourable
Plant 29 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChilliFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.5 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 -
RoselleFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
KaleFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
RiceModeratePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceModeratePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.1 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
31% highland, semi-arid, warm — 43 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
31.5–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 24 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · 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
1.9–2.3 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 -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SorghumFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.8–3.5 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 -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 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) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 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 20 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 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) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
· about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 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 -
OkraFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.2 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 -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.2 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) -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 20 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 9 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 -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 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 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MaizeFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
WheatFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
OnionFavourable
Plant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RoselleFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
EggplantFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChilliFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 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 below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceModeratePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 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 Otavi 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 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 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 -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
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 10 Jun 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 -
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Pigeon peaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 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 83.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CashewFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 27 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) -
CassavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Passion fruitFavourable 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 optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Otavi
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.
- Cotton 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
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pigeon pea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cashew Moderate — Water
- Cassava Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Unsuitable — Water
- 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
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
- Yam Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 30 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Otavi, 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
-
Ongwediva Fresh Produce Business Hub
221 km · Pearl millet, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Windhoek Fresh Produce Market
340 km · Tomato, Onion, Irish potato, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Otavi?
Watermelon, Jute mallow, Finger millet, Soybean, Bambara groundnut all rate well in Otavi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Watermelon in Otavi?
In Otavi the window for Watermelon runs 25 Dec 2026 to 3 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Otavi?
Divisi does. It reads Otavi'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 Otavi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.