What grows in Bikita
Masvingo, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Bikita
| 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 546 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 89% of this area. |
| 89% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 158 growing days · about 650 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 181 growing days · about 830 mm · November to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Bikita
89% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 46 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 31 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 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.8–3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 24.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.4–19.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 9 Feb 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
10% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 52 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 13 Jan 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 25.0 t/ha
-
SorghumFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 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 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 3 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 -
FonioFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 4 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 4 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 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 optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 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 -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 12 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 13.9 t/ha
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 22.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 22 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 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 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 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 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GuavaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 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 35.0 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 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 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 -
PapayaFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 34.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.6 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 optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Frost riskEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 2 Feb 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
LimeFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SesameFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 48.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GarlicFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 16.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-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 Bikita 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 20.0 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 55.6 t/ha expected
-
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 30 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 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 23.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 79.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.8 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 30.2 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Bikita
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.
- Cashew 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
- Avocado Moderate — Water
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Turmeric Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Yam Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 18 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Bikita, 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
55 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
Sakubva Market
119 km · Banana & plantain, Tomato, Cabbage, Irish potato
-
GMB Masvingo Depot
122 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
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 Bikita?
Finger millet, Fonio, Lablab, Mango, Pearl millet all rate well in Bikita — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Finger millet in Bikita?
In Bikita the window for Finger millet runs 23 Oct 2026 to 22 Nov 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Bikita?
Divisi does. It reads Bikita'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 Bikita, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.