What grows in Lunte
Northern, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Lunte
| 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 1,197 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning wet — January and November 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 +1.1 °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 67% of this area. |
| 67% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 214 growing days · about 1,280 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 32% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 215 growing days · about 1,290 mm · October to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Lunte
67% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 58 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 23 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 — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 3 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 -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 13 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 5 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 13 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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 5 Oct 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 2 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 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 4 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 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 -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 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 -
TomatoFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 3 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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 below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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 below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 12 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 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChilliFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 14 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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 — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 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 -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 3 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 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 3 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 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 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 below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 28 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 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) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 6 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 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 28 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 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 4 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 below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CashewFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 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 -
MandarinFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 2 Feb 2027 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CassavaFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 13 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 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TurmericModeratePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop
32% highland, sub-humid, warm — 59 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 3 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 25 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 -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 4 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 6 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChilliFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 15 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MaizeFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 14 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SorghumFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 3 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 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CottonFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MoringaFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 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 -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 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 -
TomatoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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) -
LemonFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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) -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LimeFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 23 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 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Common beanFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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 -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 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 — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 2 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 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 4 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 below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 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) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 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) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 4 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 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RiceFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 26 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 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 4 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) -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 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) -
SesameFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 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 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 14 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CashewFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 18 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CassavaFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 14 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 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TeaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop -
TurmericModeratePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 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 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 Lunte 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 64.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 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 -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 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 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 — manageable -
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 — 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 75.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Lunte
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.
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Water
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 15 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Lunte, 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 firstThis 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 Lunte?
African eggplant, Bambara groundnut, Common bean, Cotton, Cowpea all rate well in Lunte — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African eggplant in Lunte?
In Lunte the window for African eggplant runs 15 Oct 2026 to 3 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Lunte?
Divisi does. It reads Lunte'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 Lunte, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.