Manuring

Apply 25 t/ha FYM or compost. Fertilizer dose is N:P2O5:K2O 150:100:125 kg/ha. Apply full dose of P2O5 and half dose of N and K2O before transplanting. Apply remaining half dose one month after transplanting.

Irrigation

Irrigate immediately after transplanting of seedlings and subsequent irrigations are given at an interval of 10-15 days depending upon the season and soil conditions. Avoid water stress from formation to maturity of the head. Avoid excess irrigation at crop maturity to prevent splitting of heads.

Weed control

Two to three hand weedings and 1-2 very shallow hoeing should be done to remove weeds and to make the soil better aerated. Application of pre-emergence weedicide followed by a hand weeding 60 days after transplanting is also effective in checking the weed population.

Earthing up

Earthing up plants one month after transplanting ensures good size of heads. At the time of earthing up, support the plants with soil to avoid toppling of the plant during head formation.