What grows in Chivi
Masvingo, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Chivi
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to March 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 567 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 +2.2 °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 Chivi
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
30.0–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.7–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.8–15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 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 -
LablabFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 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 15 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 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 -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 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 -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
21.7–27.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 14 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.3–11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.8 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 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 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 -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceModeratePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
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 Chivi with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
GuavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — 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 37.1 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 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-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 -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 51.8 t/ha expected
-
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 66.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable
What Divisi would not plant in Chivi
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.
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Unsuitable — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Grapefruit Unsuitable — Water
- Guava Unsuitable — Water
- Lemon Unsuitable — Water
- Lime Unsuitable — Water
- Mandarin Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 27 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Chivi, 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 Chivi
- 1 September 2026 Jute Mallow — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Dec 2026
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
-
Mucheke Market
49 km · Maize, Groundnut, Tomato, Sweet potato
-
GMB Masvingo Depot
50 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
Kudzanai Market
95 km · Maize, Tomato, Cabbage, Groundnut
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 Chivi?
Pearl millet, Green gram, Niger seed, Watermelon, Sunflower all rate well in Chivi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Pearl millet in Chivi?
In Chivi the window for Pearl millet runs 15 Nov 2026 to 25 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Chivi?
Divisi does. It reads Chivi'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 Chivi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.