What can I grow in Lincang?

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 62°F (17°C) · Ideal: 54–72°F (12–22°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 3.2 in (81 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm) · covered by irrigation

In mild-winter climates spring wheat is sown in autumn and grows through the cool season.

Triticum aestivum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Triticum aestivum; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 62°F (17°C) · Ideal: 54–70°F (12–21°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 3.2 in (81 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–22 in (250–550 mm) · covered by irrigation

Heat over ~30 °C at flowering cuts yield; a cool-season crop in warm climates.

Brassica napus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Brassica napus; Canola Council of Canada: Canola Encyclopedia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 69°F (20°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 49°F (10°C) · Ideal: at least 41°F (5°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 5.6 in (143 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm) · covered by irrigation

Grain and fibre cultivars bred at high latitudes flower too early under the short days of the tropics. Licensing rules vary by country. Autoflowering: Day-neutral: flowers on age, not day length, so it suits low latitudes and short seasons.

Cannabis sativa. Sources: Amaducci et al. 2015, Key cultivation techniques for hemp in Europe and China (Industrial Crops and Products); FAO ECOCROP: Cannabis sativa. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 62°F (17°C) · Ideal: 52–68°F (11–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 3.2 in (81 mm) · Ideal: 7.9–20 in (200–500 mm) · covered by irrigation

The most cold- and drought-tolerant small grain; malting barley wants a cool, dry finish.

Hordeum vulgare. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Hordeum vulgare; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 64–86°F (18–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 21 in (546 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 6,154 °F·days (3,419 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,980 °F·days (1,100 °C·days)

Hybrids are matched to season length by relative maturity. Heat over ~35 °C at silking hurts pollination.

Zea mays. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Zea mays; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979, Yield response to water). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 62°F (17°C) · Ideal: 55–68°F (13–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 3.2 in (81 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm) · covered by irrigation

Tubers form best with cool nights; above ~25 °C tuber growth stalls. In the tropics it's a highland or cool-season crop.

Solanum tuberosum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum tuberosum; FAO Crop Water Information: potato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 68–86°F (20–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 21 in (546 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm)

Maturity groups are matched to latitude because flowering is triggered by shortening days.

Glycine max. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Glycine max; FAO Crop Water Information: soybean. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Average temperature100

  Here: 67°F (19°C) · Ideal: 61–77°F (16–25°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 14°F (-10°C)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 59–118 in (1,500–3,000 mm) · covered by irrigation

• Dry-season length100

  Here: 5 months · Ideal: at most 2 months · covered by irrigation

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 10 days

Needs acidic soil and steady rain; the finest teas come from cool highlands.

Camellia sinensis. Sources: Carr 1972, The climatic requirements of the tea plant: a review (Experimental Agriculture); FAO ECOCROP: Camellia sinensis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 59°F (15°C) · Ideal: 57–75°F (14–24°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 1.9 in (47 mm) · Ideal: 5.9–18 in (150–450 mm) · covered by irrigation

Grown as a short-season crop in most commercial systems; day-neutral types fruit through summer.

Fragaria × ananassa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Fragaria × ananassa; UC ANR: Strawberry production. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 25°F (-4°C)

• Average temperature100

  Here: 67°F (19°C) · Ideal: 61–75°F (16–24°C)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 10 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 39–71 in (1,000–1,800 mm)

Most commercial orchards are irrigated. Needs free-draining soil; root rot in waterlogged ground. Hot dry winds at flowering cut fruit set.

Persea americana. Sources: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: avocado production guidance; FAO ECOCROP: Persea americana. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 64–81°F (18–27°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 21 in (546 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm)

Fruit set fails when nights drop below ~10 °C or days top ~35 °C. Wet seasons bring blight.

Solanum lycopersicum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum lycopersicum; FAO Crop Water Information: tomato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 35 in (897 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 350 days · Ideal: at least 190 days

Needs a long, hot season and dry weather when bolls open.

Gossypium hirsutum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Gossypium hirsutum; FAO Crop Water Information: cotton. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 66°F (19°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 44°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 43°F (6°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 6.2 in (157 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm) · covered by irrigation

Deep roots make it fairly drought tolerant.

Helianthus annuus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Helianthus annuus; FAO Crop Water Information: sunflower. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 74°F (23°C) · Ideal: 72–88°F (22–31°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 62°F (16°C) · Ideal: at least 59°F (15°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 29 in (729 mm) · Ideal: 28–79 in (700–2,000 mm)

Paddy rice is usually flooded from irrigation or monsoon rain; nights below ~15 °C at flowering cause empty grains.

Oryza sativa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Oryza sativa; FAO Crop Water Information: rice. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 72–91°F (22–33°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 21 in (546 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm)

Handles heat and drought better than maize.

Sorghum bicolor. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Sorghum bicolor; FAO Crop Water Information: sorghum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 72–86°F (22–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 62°F (16°C) · Ideal: at least 57°F (14°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 34 in (863 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm)

Needs warm, light soil for pods to develop underground.

Arachis hypogaea. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Arachis hypogaea; FAO Crop Water Information: groundnut. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 10 portions · Ideal: at least 10 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 18°F (-8°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 350 days · Ideal: at least 170 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 6,154 °F·days (3,419 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,340 °F·days (1,300 °C·days)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 24–47 in (600–1,200 mm)

Flower buds are killed around −23 °C in midwinter and by frost after bloom.

Prunus persica. Sources: Fadón et al. 2020, Chilling and heat requirements of temperate stone fruit trees (Prunus sp.) (Agronomy); FAO ECOCROP: Prunus persica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 30°F (-1°C)

• Average temperature100

  Here: 67°F (19°C) · Ideal: 64–77°F (18–25°C)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 5 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 47–98 in (1,200–2,500 mm) · covered by irrigation

Subtropical: best in frost-free, humid coastal climates. Strong winds break limbs.

Macadamia integrifolia / M. tetraphylla. Sources: Hort Innovation / Australian Macadamia Society growing guides; FAO ECOCROP: Macadamia integrifolia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 28°F (-2°C)

• Average temperature100

  Here: 67°F (19°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Warmest-month average89

  Here: 74°F (24°C) · Ideal: 75–90°F (24–32°C)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 35–79 in (900–2,000 mm)

Freezes are the deciding risk: a few hours below −3 °C damage fruit and young trees. Our cold-snap estimate is weakest in subtropical climates.

Citrus spp.. Sources: UF/IFAS Extension: citrus cold hardiness; FAO ECOCROP: Citrus sinensis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 18°F (-8°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 74°F (24°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 350 days · Ideal: at least 200 days

• Yearly rain88

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–39 in (250–1,000 mm)

Tops die back around −10 °C but roots often regrow. Rain at ripening splits fruit.

Ficus carica. Sources: UC ANR: Fig production; FAO ECOCROP: Ficus carica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 18°F (-8°C)

• Chill hours (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 317 hours · Ideal: at least 300 hours

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 74°F (24°C) · Ideal: 73–86°F (23–30°C)

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 6,154 °F·days (3,419 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 3,240 °F·days (1,800 °C·days)

• Yearly rain69

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

Needs a mild winter chill to flower well, and long warm summers to ripen. Humid summers bring olive knot and peacock spot.

Olea europaea. Sources: Connor & Fereres 2005, The physiology of adaptation and yield expression in olive (Horticultural Reviews); FAO ECOCROP: Olea europaea. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)72

  Here: 10 portions · Ideal: at least 12 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least -4°F (-20°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 350 days · Ideal: at least 140 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 6,154 °F·days (3,419 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,800 °F·days (1,000 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 30 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 26–51 in (650–1,300 mm)

Rootstock and variety set cold hardiness; the hardiest survive zone 3. Hot summers hurt colour and cause sunburn.

Malus domestica. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); FAO ECOCROP: Malus domestica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winkler index (Apr–Oct degree days)93

  Here: 4,739 °F·days (2,633 °C·days) · Ideal: 3,420–4,680 °F·days (1,900–2,600 °C·days)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 10°F (-12°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 350 days · Ideal: at least 180 days

• Yearly rain69

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

Winkler regions: I < 1389, II 1389–1667, III 1667–1944, IV 1944–2222, V > 2222 °C·days (Apr–Oct, base 10 °C). Wet summers mean mildew pressure.

Vitis vinifera. Sources: Amerine & Winkler 1944, Composition and quality of musts and wines of California grapes (Hilgardia); Jones et al. 2010, Spatial analysis of climate in winegrape growing regions in the western United States (American Journal of Enology and Viticulture). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest-month average84

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at most 54°F (12°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 5°F (-15°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 74°F (24°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Yearly rain85

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 16–39 in (400–1,000 mm)

Planted in autumn and harvested in early summer; cloves need weeks below ~10 °C to form bulbs (hardnecks more than softnecks).

Allium sativum. Sources: UC ANR: Garlic production in California; FAO ECOCROP: Allium sativum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 3°F (-16°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 74°F (24°C) · Ideal: 66–82°F (19–28°C)

• Coldest-month average84

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at most 54°F (12°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 350 days · Ideal: at least 120 days

• Yearly rain51

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 14–33 in (350–850 mm)

Dislikes wet winters and humid summers more than cold. Needs sharp drainage.

Lavandula angustifolia / L. × intermedia. Sources: University extension lavender production guides (e.g. Oregon State, Washington State); FAO ECOCROP: Lavandula angustifolia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)48

  Here: 10 portions · Ideal: at least 15 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 14°F (-10°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 350 days · Ideal: at least 140 days

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 50 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 30–59 in (750–1,500 mm)

Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5), which climate can't tell us. Shallow roots: irrigate in dry spells.

Vaccinium corymbosum / V. virgatum. Sources: Retamales & Hancock, Blueberries (CABI, 2nd ed.); NC State Extension: blueberry chill requirements. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 1°F (-17°C)

• Coldest-month average41

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: 30–50°F (-1 to 10°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 74°F (24°C) · Ideal: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

• Dry-season length100

  Here: 5 months · Ideal: at least 2 months

• Yearly rain16

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–28 in (250–700 mm)

Corms rest through a hot, dry summer and flower in autumn. Wet summers rot them.

Crocus sativus. Sources: Gresta et al. 2008, Saffron, an alternative crop for sustainable agricultural systems (Agronomy for Sustainable Development); Kafi et al. 2006, Saffron (Crocus sativus): Production and Processing. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Average temperature46

  Here: 67°F (19°C) · Ideal: 72–86°F (22–30°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)40

  Here: 30°F (-1°C) · Ideal: at least 36°F (2°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 350 days · Ideal: at least 300 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 44 in (1,120 mm) · Ideal: 43–98 in (1,100–2,500 mm)

A cooler, drier spell before harvest raises sugar content. Often irrigated.

Saccharum officinarum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Saccharum officinarum; FAO Crop Water Information: sugarcane. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.