Production season |
Best grown winter from February to August. However, in Zimbabwe the crop can be grown all year round, but is prone to bolting in summer. |
Area to plant |
1ha/10 000m2 (100mx100m) |
1000m2 (20mx50m) |
100m2 (10mx10m) |
Seed required |
2.5 kg-3.5 kg |
250g-350g |
25g-35g |
Plant population |
500 000-800 000 |
50 000-80 000 |
5 000-8 000 |
Plant spacing in row |
5cm-8cm |
Spacing between rows |
30cm to 45cm |
Compound S Fertiliser kg/ha |
800-1000 |
80-100 |
42651 |
AN Top dressing kg/ha |
100-250 |
10-20 |
1-2.5 |
Manure kg/ha |
5 000 |
500 |
50 |
Days to Harvest |
120 to 220 days depending on the season and variety |
Harvest duration |
Done when 50% of the tops have wilted or collapsed |
Thrips and Cutworms are the common pests and downy mildew disease. For control and application rate options, see the chemical labels |
Irrigation |
Overhead, Pivot, Micro-jet systems are all suitable methods. Ensure the soil is moist at all times. |
Post-harvest handling |
Bulbs dry off satisfactorily when thinly laid out in rows in an open shed/field for a week |
Normal packaging |
Sacks |
Sacks |
Sacks |
Estimated Yield (kg/ha) |
30 000-70 000 |
3 000-7 000 |
300-700 |