Soil –
Well drained, light fertile loam soil with moisture holding capacity is ideal. pH 6-7.
Climate –
Long, warm growing season, frost free for 4-5 months is ideal. In tropical southern
India the crop is raised during winter months (August – December) with temperature of 21ºC
at night & 27 ºC in day.
Optimum temperature for seed germination is 18-24 ºC.