What grows in Livingstone
Southern, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Livingstone
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 722 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, November and December look short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.9 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 90% of this area. |
| 90% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 162 growing days · about 700 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 149 growing days · about 660 mm · November to April |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Livingstone
90% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 48 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.7–2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 5 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 6 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 8 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 30 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 32.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
· about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 29.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
WheatFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CashewFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 1.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 9 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
10% semi-arid, warm — 46 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.7–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 7 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 29 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 30.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 20.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
· about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 28.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CashewFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 1.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
WheatFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk
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 Livingstone with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
GuavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 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 51.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 99.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.7 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Livingstone
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.
- Guava Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cassava Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Lemon Moderate — Water
- Lime Moderate — Water
- Mandarin Moderate — Water
- Grapefruit Moderate — Water
- Sweet orange Moderate — Water
- Yam Moderate — Water
- Avocado Unsuitable — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pineapple Unsuitable — Water
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 26 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Livingstone, 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.
Where to sell it nearby
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 Livingstone?
Finger millet, Groundnut, Mango, Sesame, Bambara groundnut all rate well in Livingstone — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Finger millet in Livingstone?
In Livingstone the window for Finger millet runs 31 Oct 2026 to 30 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Livingstone?
Divisi does. It reads Livingstone'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 Livingstone, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.