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Niger Seed
Guizotia abyssinica
Moderate difficultyKharif season (late June to mid-July after the first monsoon rains); also September-October in some regions like Odisha.
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Sunlight
Full Sun
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Watering
Moderate
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Min pot size
12" pot
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Start from
Direct sowing is recommended. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm. For even distribution, seeds can be mixed with sand or ash before broadcasting, or sown in lines. Thinning of seedlings is necessary after emergence to maintain proper spacing.
About Niger Seed
Niger Seed, known as Ramtil in India, is an annual oilseed crop primarily cultivated for its oil-rich seeds. It is highly valued by Indian growers, especially small and tribal farmers, because it thrives in conditions of low rainfall and poor soil, requiring minimal investment. This crop is considered relatively easy to grow, making it suitable for home and terrace gardening as well.
Climate requirements
Ideal temperature
20-30°C
Heat stress above
35°C
Cold stress below
10°C
Humidity
Tolerates a range of humidity levels
Rain sensitivity
Requires moderate rainfall (600-1250 mm annually). Sensitive to heavy rainfall and waterlogging. Predominantly rain-fed.
Growth stages
Stage 1
Germination
Day 1–7
Stage 2
Seedling
Day 8–20
Stage 3
Vegetative
Day 21–55
Stage 4
Flowering
Day 56–75
Stage 5
Fruiting
Day 76–100
Stage 6
Harvest
Day 101–110
Common pests and diseases
Watch out for these on your Niger Seed. Upload a photo for AI diagnosis →
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Companion plants for Niger Seed
Avoid planting nearby
✗ Cuscuta chinensis (Amarbel)
Get a personalised schedule for Niger Seed
Enter your city, pot count, and sowing date — the Crop Planner builds a day-by-day care calendar with watering reminders, fertiliser timing, and harvest windows.
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Spot a problem?
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