What grows in Zvishavane Urban
Midlands, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Zvishavane Urban
| 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 569 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 | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 90% of this area. |
| 90% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 141 growing days · about 570 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 140 growing days · about 570 mm · November to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Zvishavane Urban
90% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 46 crops
-
LablabFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 28 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 -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 28 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 -
Green gramFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
30.3–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.0–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
13.3–15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
18.1–22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 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 8 Nov 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 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 — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.2 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 -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 18 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 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 28 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 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 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 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 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
PapayaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
MoringaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TomatoFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 28 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 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.3 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 6 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.6 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 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 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 -
KaleFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 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 -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RiceModeratePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 28 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 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
10% semi-arid, warm — 46 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.5–13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthSteep slope -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.2–6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
12.5–15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
24.2–31.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
MoringaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.0–11.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.5–0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 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 -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 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 8 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.5 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 -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 18 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
RoselleFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLimited rooting depth -
CottonFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
EggplantFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
RiceModeratePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
ChilliModeratePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
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 Zvishavane Urban 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 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 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 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 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
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
-
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.6 t/ha expected
-
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 — 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 -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 76.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
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 23.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-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
What Divisi would not plant in Zvishavane Urban
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.
- Wheat Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- 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; 28 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Zvishavane Urban, 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 Zvishavane Urban
- 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
-
Mucheke Market
83 km · Maize, Groundnut, Tomato, Sweet potato
-
GMB Masvingo Depot
85 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
Kudzanai Market
99 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 Zvishavane Urban?
Egusi melon, Lablab, Pearl millet, Cowpea, Green gram all rate well in Zvishavane Urban — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Egusi melon in Zvishavane Urban?
In Zvishavane Urban the window for Egusi melon runs 18 Nov 2026 to 28 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Zvishavane Urban?
Divisi does. It reads Zvishavane Urban'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 Zvishavane Urban, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.