What grows in Esan West
Edo, Nigeria
The 2026 season in Esan West
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | February 2026 to November 2026 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,652 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — September and October 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 +0.9 °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 a long crop, or two in a year, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Esan West
-
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 23 Mar 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CashewFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
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 -
Common beanFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 13 Apr 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
· about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Green gramFavourablePlant 12 Mar 2026 – 24 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 28 Feb 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 29 Mar 2026 – 25 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 26 Mar 2026 – 24 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 8 Mar 2027 – 4 Sep 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 26 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 18 Aug 2027 opens in 21 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 -
BananaFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 55.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 4 Sep 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CocoaFavourablePlant 14 Mar 2027 – 12 Jul 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Robusta coffeeFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 23 Aug 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 4 Sep 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
FonioFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 26 Aug 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 23 Aug 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 22 Jun 2027 – 5 Jul 2027 opens in 38 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 18 Aug 2027 opens in 21 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 -
LimeFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 23 Aug 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MaizeFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 18 Aug 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 23 Aug 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 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 (lime) -
MangoFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 23 Aug 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MoringaFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 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 -
Oil palmFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 May 2027 – 31 Jul 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
· about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PapayaFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PineappleFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 47.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 8 Sep 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RiceFavourablePlant 1 Apr 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 30 Jul 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SorghumFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 4 Sep 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 23 Aug 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 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 (lime) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 25 Apr 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
· about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.1 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 (lime) -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 24 Jun 2027 – 6 Jul 2027 opens in 38 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 21.9 t/ha expected
· about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 8 Sep 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 8 Mar 2027 – 23 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CassavaFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 2 Jul 2027 opens in 19 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 (lime) -
EggplantFavourablePlant 4 Mar 2027 – 1 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GingerFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
ChilliFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 2 Jul 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 12 Jun 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 23 Apr 2027 – 22 Jul 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 1 Aug 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 13 May 2027 – 2 Jul 2027 opens in 32 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 13 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 13 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CoconutFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LemonFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 23 Aug 2027 opens in 21 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 12 Jun 2027 – 24 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SugarcaneFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 65.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 111.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TaroFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 4 May 2027 – 13 Jul 2027 opens in 31 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
· about 18.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Arabica coffeeFavourablePlant 4 Mar 2027 – 3 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 12 Jun 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
· about 18.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil 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 Divisi would not plant in Esan West
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.
- Avocado Unsuitable — Temperature
- Beetroot Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable — Temperature
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Passion fruit Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Wheat Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 10 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Esan West, 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 Esan West
- 2 September 2026 Tea — Planting window moved, now opens 29 Jun 2027
- 2 September 2026 Beetroot — Limiting factor changed
- 2 September 2026 Beetroot — Planting window moved, now opens 21 Mar 2026
- 2 September 2026 Niger Seed — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Niger Seed — Planting window moved, now opens 21 Mar 2027
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
-
Onitsha Main Market
110 km · Yam, Cassava, Rice, Maize
-
Ogbete Main Market
166 km · Yam, Cassava, Cocoyam / Taro, Rice
-
Mile 12 Market
292 km · Tomato, Hot pepper, Onion, Yam
Support and extension
- Bank of Agriculture credit facilities
- National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket
- Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria
- Institute for Agricultural Research
- National Agricultural Seed Council
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Esan West?
African nightshade, Cashew, Common bean, Cowpea, Cucumber all rate well in Esan West — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African nightshade in Esan West?
In Esan West the window for African nightshade runs 23 Mar 2026 to 21 Sep 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Esan West?
Divisi does. It reads Esan West'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 Esan West, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.