| 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 |
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