What grows in Chiredzi
Masvingo, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Chiredzi
| 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 574 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 +2.0 °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 Chiredzi
-
MangoFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.6–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.3–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
30.3–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.5–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.9–24.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 34.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 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 -
OkraFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 20 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 20 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 15.0 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
MoringaFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 26 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 18 Feb 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
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 Chiredzi with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 120.0 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 60.0 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 40.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 40.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourable 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 63.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Irish potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 40.0 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 30.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 30 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 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 50.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 40.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 52.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 19 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Chiredzi
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.
- Irish potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Wheat Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Guava Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- 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
- Passion fruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Niger seed 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
- Swiss chard 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
- Avocado Moderate — Water
- Beetroot Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Grapefruit Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Sweet pepper Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Turmeric Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane 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
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 33 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Chiredzi, 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 Chiredzi
- 1 September 2026 Cashew — Crop became recommendable
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
-
GMB Middle Sabi Depot
133 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
Boka Tobacco Auction Floors
370 km · Tobacco
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 Chiredzi?
Mango, Cowpea, Egusi melon, Fonio, Green gram all rate well in Chiredzi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Chiredzi?
In Chiredzi the window for Mango runs 15 Nov 2026 to 14 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Chiredzi?
Divisi does. It reads Chiredzi'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 Chiredzi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.