Two seeds are dropped into each hole.
A few days after the first shower they rise above the ground, and when about six inches high the whole population turn out of their villages at break of day to weed the dhurra fields.

Sown in July, it is harvested in February and March.

Eight months are thus required for the cultivation of this cereal in the intense heat of Nubia.

For the first three months the growth is extremely rapid, and the stem attains a height of six or seven feet.

When at perfection in the rich soil of the Taka country, the plant averages a height of ten feet, the circumference of the stem being about four inches.