What grows in Chimanimani
Manicaland, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Chimanimani
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to June 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,167 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, October, 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 +1.5 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one full main crop, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 52% of this area. |
| 52% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 224 growing days · about 1,100 mm · October to June |
|---|---|
| 24% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 159 growing days · about 620 mm · November to April |
| 19% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 240 growing days · about 1,230 mm · October to June |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Chimanimani
52% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 36 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SorghumFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 6.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
24.9–25.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 44.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GuavaFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.2–16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
LemonFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 19.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PapayaFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 36.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CucumberFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LettuceFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WheatFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 4.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TeffFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
KaleFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LimeFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 16.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.0–13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
ChilliFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope
24% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 48 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
31.2–31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.7–3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 30 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.6–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
FonioFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 29 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 30 Sep 2026
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
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 6.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 19.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 44.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 27.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 19 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
MoringaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CashewFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 30 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 16.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 18 Feb 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
19% highland, sub-humid, warm — 32 crops
-
AvocadoFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
LemonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GuavaFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.7 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SorghumModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SunflowerModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
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 optimumSteep slope -
LablabModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthSteep slope -
Niger seedModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PumpkinModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MaizeModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 6.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TomatoModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 44.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TobaccoModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Finger milletModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Common beanModeratePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AmaranthModeratePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 19.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CarrotModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionModerate
Plant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
BeetrootModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CucumberModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantModeratePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceModeratePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatModeratePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 4.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeffModeratePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageModeratePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
· about 44.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
ChilliModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 11.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)
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 Chimanimani with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)
What Divisi would not plant in Chimanimani
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 Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Grapefruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Yam Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Turmeric Moderate — Slope / terrain
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 16 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Chimanimani, 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
-
GMB Middle Sabi Depot
64 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
Sakubva Market
85 km · Banana & plantain, Tomato, Cabbage, Irish potato
-
Mercado Municipal de Chimoio
98 km · Maize, Tomato, Irish potato, Cabbage
Support and extension
- Command Agriculture
- Pfumvudza/Intwasa
- AGRITEX
- Department of Research and Specialist Services
- Seed Services Institute
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Chimanimani?
Lablab, Finger millet, Sorghum, Common bean, Cucumber all rate well in Chimanimani — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Lablab in Chimanimani?
In Chimanimani the window for Lablab runs 30 Oct 2026 to 29 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Chimanimani?
Divisi does. It reads Chimanimani'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 Chimanimani, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.