Safflower requires clod-free seed bed with firm subsoil and adequate moisture for good germination and stand establishment. In mono-cropped black soils of rabi areas, harrowing 3 or 4 times during the monsoon is as effective as deep ploughing or subsoiling to keep fields weed free. If the fields are infested with obnoxious weeds, resort to deep ploughing during summer as soon as the rabi crop is harvested. Conserve maximum amount of soil moisture and obtain the desired seed bed.