What grows in Chililabombwe
Copperbelt, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Chililabombwe
| 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 1,149 mm |
| This season's rain | Rain close to usual — plan around about 1,149 mm falling roughly when it always does |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.2 °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 | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Chililabombwe
-
African eggplantFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 6 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
FonioFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GuavaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LimeFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MaizeFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PapayaFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SorghumFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 6 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 4 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 4 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 29 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 4 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 4 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 4 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 4 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 optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 6.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RoselleFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 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 outside the crop's range -
MandarinFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
RiceFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 16 Feb 2027 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH outside the crop's range -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 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 outside the crop's range -
MoringaFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil 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 Chililabombwe with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.8 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)
What Divisi would not plant in Chililabombwe
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
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Turmeric Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 21 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Chililabombwe, 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 Chililabombwe
- 2 September 2026 Papaya — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 African Nightshade — Crop stopped being recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Chickpea — Crop stopped being recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Swiss Chard — Crop stopped being recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Rape Covo Kale — Crop stopped being recommendable
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
-
Chisokone Market
67 km · Maize, Tomato, Cabbage, Sweet potato
-
Lubumbashi Central Market
83 km · Maize, Cassava, Common bean, Groundnut
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 Chililabombwe?
African eggplant, Bambara groundnut, Common bean, Cowpea, Eggplant all rate well in Chililabombwe — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African eggplant in Chililabombwe?
In Chililabombwe the window for African eggplant runs 19 Oct 2026 to 8 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Chililabombwe?
Divisi does. It reads Chililabombwe'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 Chililabombwe, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.