Season
For rainfed maize, sowing time may be June–July and September–October depending on rainfall pattern of the region. When irrigation is available sowing can be done from June to January. After February till May avoid growing maize in high temperature areas. Temperature above 38 degree Celsius may lead to poor growth and problems in seed set.
Field preparation
Plough once with a disc plough followed by two cultivator ploughings to obtain fine tilth. If soil has more clots, use rotavator to improve soil condition. Incorporate 12.5 tonnes Farmyard manure per hectare into the soil during last ploughing.
Sowing
Seed rate: 7 to 10 kg per acre. Form ridges and furrows with sufficient irrigation channels, ridges should be formed 45cm or 60 cm apart depending upon the hybrid. If ridges/furrows are not formed, prepare 10 or 20 m² beds depending on water availability. In case of drip irrigation, take up sowing on both sides of the lateral tubes with 30cm space in between. Between plants maintain a spacing of 30cm or 20cm depending on the hybrid.
Mainfield practices
Apply pre-emergence herbicide Pendimethalin or Metolachlor 3–4 days after sowing, followed by manual weeding at 20–25 DAS, depending on weed growth. If manual weeding is not possible, use any one of the early post emergence herbicides, Tembotrione or Mesotrione, in combination with Atrazine, at 15–25 days after sowing, when the weeds are at 3–4 leaf stage. In areas with Rottboellia (itch grass) infestation, use Topramezone or Tolpyralate in combination with Atrazine instead of the above herbicides. Maintain optimum soil moisture and avoid both moisture stress and excess water.
Harvest
Plants are ready for harvest when the cob husks turn fully brown/straw colour. Harvesting days depends on the hybrid and the sowing season.