What grows in Chavuma
North-Western, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Chavuma
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,069 mm |
| This season's rain | Rain close to usual — plan around about 1,069 mm falling roughly when it always does |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.4 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one full main crop, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 88% of this area. |
| 88% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 219 growing days · about 1,040 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 12% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 222 growing days · about 1,070 mm · October to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Chavuma
88% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 57 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 open now
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 — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 open now
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 — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 open now
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 29 Sep 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 open now
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 — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 open now
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 open now
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 below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 open now
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 open now
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 below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 open now
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 below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 open now
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 below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 open now
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 — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 open now
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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 2 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 — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 open now
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 29 Sep 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 open now
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 open now
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 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 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 open now
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) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.2 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 -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 26.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 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 -
CarrotFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 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 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 — manageable -
OnionFavourable
Plant 23 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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) -
RiceFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 5.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 3 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 below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 20 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MoringaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CottonFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 13 Mar 2027 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
YamFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Not enough water in season -
TurmericFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season
12% sub-humid, warm — 59 crops
-
CarrotFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 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 — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 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 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
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 2 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 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 -
FonioFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
RoselleFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 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 — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
EggplantFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
KaleFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
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 — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 — manageable -
ChilliFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 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 — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 26.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WheatFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 2 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 — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 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 -
OnionFavourable
Plant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 5.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TeffFavourablePlant 11 Mar 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
YamFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 11 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CashewFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
-
AvocadoFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 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 -
CassavaFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TurmericModeratePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 12 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonDry 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 Chavuma 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 1 May 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.6 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
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 optimum -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 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 optimum -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
-
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 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 optimum -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 50.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Frost risk
What Divisi would not plant in Chavuma
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.
- Enset Moderate — Water
- Ginger Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Taro Unsuitable — Temperature
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 14 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Chavuma, 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 Chavuma
- 2 September 2026 Lablab — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Soil
- 2 September 2026 Avocado — 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.
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 Chavuma?
African eggplant, Avocado, Bambara groundnut, Carrot, Common bean all rate well in Chavuma — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African eggplant in Chavuma?
In Chavuma the window for African eggplant runs 29 Sep 2026 to 28 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Chavuma?
Divisi does. It reads Chavuma'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 Chavuma, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.