What grows in Masasi
Mtwara, United Republic of Tanzania
The 2026/27 season in Masasi
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 925 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January and February 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 +1.4 °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 all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 97% of this area. |
| 97% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 190 growing days · about 900 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 3% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 190 growing days · about 900 mm · November to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Masasi
97% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 49 crops
-
CashewFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 5 Apr 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SorghumFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 9 Apr 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 5 Apr 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
· about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
· about 13.9 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
MandarinFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 6 Dec 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
YamFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 16 Mar 2027 – 5 Apr 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropLate-maturing — drought risk
3% sub-humid, warm — 48 crops
-
GroundnutFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 4 Apr 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
SesameFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
CucumberFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 25 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
· about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
· about 13.9 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
MandarinFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 25 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
YamFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLimited rooting depth -
KaleFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
LettuceModeratePlant 5 Mar 2027 – 25 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericModeratePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropLate-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 Masasi with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 111.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 10 May 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CoconutFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable
What Divisi would not plant in Masasi
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.
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Avocado Unsuitable — Temperature
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Beetroot Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Water
- Coconut Unsuitable — Water
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Irish potato Unsuitable
- Niger seed Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Water
- Passion fruit Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sweet pepper Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sweet potato Unsuitable — Temperature
- Swiss chard Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Wheat Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 25 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Masasi, 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.
Support and extension
- Building a Better Tomorrow – Youth Initiative for Agribusiness
- Fertiliser Subsidy Programme
- Smallholder Farmers Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute
- Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Masasi?
Cashew, Groundnut, Guava, Maize, Mango all rate well in Masasi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Cashew in Masasi?
In Masasi the window for Cashew runs 6 Nov 2026 to 5 Apr 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Masasi?
Divisi does. It reads Masasi'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 Masasi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.