What grows in Plumtree
Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Plumtree
| 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 606 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 +2.3 °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 84% of this area. |
| 84% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 156 growing days · about 600 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 16% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 156 growing days · about 600 mm · November to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Plumtree
84% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 43 crops
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.2–23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
31.0–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.1–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 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 1 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 59.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceModeratePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
16% semi-arid, warm — 43 crops
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
30.0–32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.4–23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.2–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 8 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 22 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 9 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 59.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceModeratePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 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 Plumtree 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
-
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 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 37.1 t/ha expected
-
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 34.3 t/ha expected
-
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 19 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 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 25.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourable 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 — manageable -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
-
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 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 18.2 t/ha expected
Frost riskLate-maturing — drought risk -
Passion fruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.2 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Frost riskLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk
What Divisi would not plant in Plumtree
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.
- Passion fruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Moringa Moderate — Water
- Pigeon pea 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
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- 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
- Pineapple Unsuitable
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Turmeric Unsuitable
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 31 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Plumtree, 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
-
Nkulumane Market
88 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Onion, Irish potato
-
Renkini Market
93 km · Maize, Groundnut, Cowpea, Sorghum
-
GMB Bulawayo Depot
93 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 Plumtree?
Lablab, Pearl millet, Green gram, Pumpkin, Sunflower all rate well in Plumtree — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Lablab in Plumtree?
In Plumtree the window for Lablab runs 1 Nov 2026 to 21 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Plumtree?
Divisi does. It reads Plumtree'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 Plumtree, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.