Sowing time and seed rate:-

The time of sowing seed is determined largely by the time the crop  is desirable for use. The sowing is done in the month of Aug. – sept. in plains as well as lower hills while in temperate regions crop is sown in Aug. – sept. as well  as in the month of March – April.

About 200 – 250 gm seed is required to raise seedlings for planting a hectare of land. The quantity of seed required is more in direct sowings. The over-night water soaking of seed hasten germination. Germination is good when the temperature is between 15 – 20 °c.

Nursery management:-

Nursery beds should be 1 m wide, 5 – 10 m long and 15 cm high. For nursery, beds should be thoroughly ploughed to make it friable. Add FYM @ 10 kg/m². soil should be sterilized by drenching 1% solution of formaldehyde about 10 – 15 days prior to sowing. After drenching, beds should be covered with alkathane for 3 – 5 days. Then beds are dug and left open for 5 – 7 days so that the injurious effect of formalin is prevented. Seeds are sown at a depth of 1 – 1.5 cm, in rows 5 – 10 cm apart and then covered with fine sieved soil. The hardening of seedlings should be done before transplanting by withholding water supply to obtain better crop stand in the field.