What grows in Ekurhuleni
Gauteng, South Africa
The 2026/27 season in Ekurhuleni
| 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 | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 87% of this area. |
| 87% | 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 |
|---|---|
| 8% | enough rain for one full main crop; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 196 growing days · about 670 mm · October to April |
| 4% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 191 growing days · about 660 mm · October to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Ekurhuleni
87% highland, sub-humid, mild winter — 36 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
30.0–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.0–23.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.4–10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.0–3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.6–6.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 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 13.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 11 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 17 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 6.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
· about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 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
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.8 t/ha expected
· about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 42.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 18.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutModeratePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
8% sub-humid, cool — 29 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.2–24.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 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 -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.0–3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 5.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.4–16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 30.0 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
4.4–5.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 15 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 6.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
· about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 18.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.7 t/ha expected
· about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChilliFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutModeratePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
4% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 41 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
28.0–32.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.1–8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.9–19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.9–3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 9 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 -
Common beanFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 12 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 6.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 1 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 3 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
· about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 42.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageModeratePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
· about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameModeratePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 24 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 -
GroundnutModeratePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 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 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleModeratePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicModeratePlant 27 Sep 2026 – 7 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 18.0 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 Ekurhuleni 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 28.1 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
GuavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Frost risk
What Divisi would not plant in Ekurhuleni
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
- Guava Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Frost & pests
- Enset Moderate — Frost & pests
- Papaya Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mango Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon 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
- Grapefruit Unsuitable — Temperature
- Lime Unsuitable
- Moringa Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pearl millet Unsuitable — Temperature
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 33 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Ekurhuleni, 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
36 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
54 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Letsema Horticulture Market
305 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 Ekurhuleni?
Sunflower, Pumpkin, Niger seed, Teff, Watermelon all rate well in Ekurhuleni — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Sunflower in Ekurhuleni?
In Ekurhuleni the window for Sunflower runs 19 Nov 2026 to 8 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Ekurhuleni?
Divisi does. It reads Ekurhuleni'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 Ekurhuleni, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.