What grows in Mount Darwin
Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Mount Darwin
| 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 731 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January 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 short crop, and only if timed to it, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Mount Darwin
-
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 7.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 42.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 60.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 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 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 54.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 23.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CashewFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 23 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
KaleFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
WheatFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 5.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 1 Mar 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
· about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 1 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 31.2 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 Mount Darwin with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 54.4 t/ha expected
-
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 36.3 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 36.3 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 36.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 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 30.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil 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 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 85.7 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 1.7 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 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 18.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.4 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Mount Darwin
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.
- Lemon Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Lime Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Mandarin Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet orange Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado 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
- Cassava Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Yam Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 25 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mount Darwin, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstWhat changed in Mount Darwin
- 1 September 2026 Lemon — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Slope / terrain
- 1 September 2026 Niger Seed — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Slope / terrain
- 1 September 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Slope / terrain
- 1 September 2026 Oil Palm — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Slope / terrain
- 1 September 2026 Sunflower — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Slope / terrain
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
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 Mount Darwin?
Bambara groundnut, Egusi melon, Finger millet, Fonio, Groundnut all rate well in Mount Darwin — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Bambara groundnut in Mount Darwin?
In Mount Darwin the window for Bambara groundnut runs 3 Nov 2026 to 23 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Mount Darwin?
Divisi does. It reads Mount Darwin'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 Mount Darwin, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.