What grows in Mafinga
Muchinga, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Mafinga
| 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 1,056 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning wet — January, November and December look heavier than usual. Make sure water can drain off the field; a wet year does more damage through waterlogging and disease than through the rain itself. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.3 °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 | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 65% of this area. |
| 65% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 210 growing days · about 1,030 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 26% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 212 growing days · about 1,080 mm · November to May |
| 8% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 173 growing days · about 870 mm · November to April |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Mafinga
65% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 53 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
23.4–23.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChilliFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
13.8–13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 44.4 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 -
TomatoFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 22 Feb 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 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OnionFavourable
Plant 4 Nov 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 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 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 14 Mar 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 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 9 Mar 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 18 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 5.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RoselleFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 17.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MoringaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 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 -
TurmericModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop
26% highland, sub-humid, warm — 8 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 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 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.6–14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GuavaFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.8–15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
LemonFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 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 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PapayaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
34.7–35.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 62.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 25 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Steep slope
8% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 55 crops
-
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
MoringaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 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 optimumSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GuavaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
ChilliFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RoselleFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CottonFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Green gramFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PapayaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.6 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 optimumSteep slope -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
EggplantFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CashewFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LimeFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
KaleFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OnionFavourable
Plant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
OkraFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RiceFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SesameFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CassavaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 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 33.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
YamModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep 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 Mafinga with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
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 below the crop's optimum -
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
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 — manageable -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 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 1.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 96.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CoconutFavourable 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
What Divisi would not plant in Mafinga
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.
- Garlic Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cabbage Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Chickpea Moderate — Slope / terrain
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 16 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mafinga, 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 Mafinga
- 2 September 2026 Tea — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Maize — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Sweet Potato — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Beetroot — Crop became recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Papaya — Crop became 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
-
Mbeya Market
135 km · Maize, Common bean, Irish potato, Arabica coffee
-
Mzuzu Auction Floors
185 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 Mafinga?
Guava, Mango, Sweet orange, Lemon, Lime all rate well in Mafinga — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Guava in Mafinga?
In Mafinga the window for Guava runs 17 Oct 2026 to 24 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mafinga?
Divisi does. It reads Mafinga'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 Mafinga, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.