Harden the seedlings for 5 days by gradually reducing the frequency of watering and exposing them to more sunlight. A good seedling is in the 4 or 5-leaf stage (about 4 weeks old), vigorous, disease-free, stocky, and without flowers.

Transplant in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day to minimize transplant shock. Insert the seedling in a hole so the cotyledons appear above the surface. Irrigate the field as soon as possible after transplanting.