What grows in Kapiri Mposhi
Central, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Kapiri Mposhi
| 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 1,038 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February 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 +1.5 °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 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 89% of this area. |
| 89% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 178 growing days · about 930 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 180 growing days · about 1,010 mm · October to April |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Kapiri Mposhi
89% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 53 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 36.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 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 -
OnionFavourable
Plant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 6 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 -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
YamModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
10% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 53 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 5 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 -
OnionFavourable
Plant 3 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 8 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 -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 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 -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 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 -
SesameFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 1 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop
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 Kapiri Mposhi with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.6 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 27.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 68.4 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 32.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Frost risk
What Divisi would not plant in Kapiri Mposhi
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.
- Cotton Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cashew Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Cassava Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Turmeric Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 20 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Kapiri Mposhi, 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 Kapiri Mposhi
- 2 September 2026 Teff — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Common Bean — Planting window moved, now opens 18 Jan 2027
- 2 September 2026 Amaranth — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Okra — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Cucumber — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
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
-
Chisokone Market
118 km · Maize, Tomato, Cabbage, Sweet potato
-
New Soweto Market
201 km · Maize, Tomato, Cabbage, Onion
Support and extension
- Farmer Input Support Programme
- Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility
- Department of Agriculture
- Seed Control and Certification Institute
- Zambia Agriculture Research Institute
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Kapiri Mposhi?
Bambara groundnut, Finger millet, Fonio, Lablab, Maize all rate well in Kapiri Mposhi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Bambara groundnut in Kapiri Mposhi?
In Kapiri Mposhi the window for Bambara groundnut runs 16 Oct 2026 to 15 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Kapiri Mposhi?
Divisi does. It reads Kapiri Mposhi'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 Kapiri Mposhi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.