What grows in Rufunsa
Lusaka, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Rufunsa
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 808 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 +1.6 °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 | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Rufunsa
-
GroundnutFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SesameFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 17 Feb 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
43.9–46.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 62.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 May 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 29 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 May 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 1 May 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GuavaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
LimeFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.7 t/ha expected
· about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 19 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 9 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
YamModeratePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
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 Rufunsa 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 110.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CassavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 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 2.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 28 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Early-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Rufunsa
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.
- Irish potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Niger seed Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Passion fruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Beetroot Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Wheat Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet pepper Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cassava Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado Moderate — Water
- Grapefruit Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Turmeric Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Water
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Water
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 27 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Rufunsa, 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 Rufunsa
- 2 September 2026 Tea — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Slope / terrain
- 2 September 2026 Tea — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Lemon — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Slope / terrain
- 2 September 2026 Lemon — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 African Nightshade — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Slope / terrain
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
-
New Soweto Market
191 km · Maize, Tomato, Cabbage, Onion
-
Boka Tobacco Auction Floors
326 km · Tobacco
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 Rufunsa?
Groundnut, Mango, Sesame, Cashew, Green gram all rate well in Rufunsa — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Groundnut in Rufunsa?
In Rufunsa the window for Groundnut runs 30 Oct 2026 to 9 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Rufunsa?
Divisi does. It reads Rufunsa'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 Rufunsa, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.