What grows in Fezile Dabi
Free State, South Africa
The 2026/27 season in Fezile Dabi
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 529 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, November 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 +2.1 °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, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 56% of this area. |
| 56% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 122 growing days · about 540 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 22% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 205 growing days · about 630 mm · October to April |
| 16% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 172 growing days · about 580 mm · October to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Fezile Dabi
56% lowland, semi-arid, mild winter — 40 crops
-
LablabFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
6.6–7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.7–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.6–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
23.9–27.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
13.1–15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CarrotFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TeffFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.1 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GroundnutModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionModerate
Plant 22 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleModeratePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleModeratePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
22% highland, sub-humid, mild winter — 38 crops
-
LablabFavourablePlant 27 Sep 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
25.6–30.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.3–19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.1–19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.1–3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Common beanFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.1–8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 26 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
OkraFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 7 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 14.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageModeratePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
16% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 38 crops
-
LablabFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLimited rooting depth -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.6–9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
23.7–28.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.9–19.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.9–19.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.0–3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SorghumFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
2.2–2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CarrotFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 16 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 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 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageModeratePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GarlicModeratePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 5 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 14.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
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 Fezile Dabi with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Frost riskEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Fezile Dabi
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.
- Egusi melon Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sweet orange Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mandarin Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mango Moderate — Frost & pests
- Papaya Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Guava Moderate — Frost & pests
- Moringa Moderate — Frost & pests
- Banana Unsuitable
- Cashew Unsuitable
- Cassava Unsuitable
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable
- Ginger Unsuitable
- Grapefruit Unsuitable
- Lime Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 32 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Fezile Dabi, 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 Fezile Dabi
- 2 September 2026 Cashew — Crop stopped being 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
-
Joburg Market
179 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
227 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Letsema Horticulture Market
287 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Onion, Carrot
Support and extension
- Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme
- Ilima/Letsema
- Agricultural Research Council
- National Extension Support Services
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Fezile Dabi?
Lablab, Jute mallow, Niger seed, Sunflower, Watermelon all rate well in Fezile Dabi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Lablab in Fezile Dabi?
In Fezile Dabi the window for Lablab runs 7 Nov 2026 to 7 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Fezile Dabi?
Divisi does. It reads Fezile Dabi'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 Fezile Dabi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.