Climate and Soil

• Minimum temperature of 18°C is required during early growth.
• Optimal temperature range: 24–27°C for best growth.
• Can tolerate low temperatures, but extreme cold retards growth.
• Adapted to various rainfall conditions.
• Grows in a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained sandy loam rich in organic matter.
• Optimum soil pH: 6.0–6.7, but can tolerate alkaline soils up to pH 8.0.

Season

• January-March
• September-December
• In rainfed cultivation sowing can be done in May-June after the first three or four rains.