What grows in City of Johannesburg
Gauteng, South Africa
The 2026/27 season in City of Johannesburg
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 672 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 +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 full main crop, warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 80% of this area. |
| 80% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 196 growing days · about 660 mm · October to April |
|---|---|
| 19% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 195 growing days · about 660 mm · October to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in City of Johannesburg
80% highland, sub-humid, mild winter — 38 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
28.2–33.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.7–9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.5–3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 6.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
· about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
· about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 66.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 28.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 7 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 66.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GarlicFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChilliFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GroundnutModeratePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
19% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 41 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
28.4–33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.7–9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 6.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 17 Feb 2027 – 9 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.6 t/ha expected
· about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 17 Feb 2027 – 9 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
· about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 18 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 23.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 66.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 28.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 66.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 29 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GroundnutModeratePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
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 City of Johannesburg with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.4 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
GuavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Frost risk
What Divisi would not plant in City of Johannesburg
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.
- Sweet orange Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Mandarin Moderate — Water
- Guava Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Frost & pests
- Enset Moderate — Frost & pests
- Grapefruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lime Moderate — Frost & pests
- Moringa Moderate — Frost & pests
- Papaya Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mango Moderate — Frost & pests
- Pigeon pea 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
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
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 City of Johannesburg, 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
-
Joburg Market
20 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
53 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Letsema Horticulture Market
262 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 City of Johannesburg?
Watermelon, Jute mallow, Finger millet, Soybean, Bambara groundnut all rate well in City of Johannesburg — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Watermelon in City of Johannesburg?
In City of Johannesburg the window for Watermelon runs 26 Nov 2026 to 15 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in City of Johannesburg?
Divisi does. It reads City of Johannesburg'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 City of Johannesburg, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.