How to Grow Rice
Oryza sativa
Rice is a warm-season grass that needs full sun, high temperatures, and consistently wet or flooded soil. Start seeds indoors in warm compost, transplant seedlings to flooded paddies or very moist beds once established. Paddy rice requires standing water 5-10cm deep for most of its growth; upland rice needs daily watering. Feed with nitrogen at transplant and tillering. Harvest when grains turn golden and the stem bends; dry panicles before threshing.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 15°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser at transplanting and again at tillering (4-6 weeks after transplant).
- Paddy rice needs flooded or consistently saturated soil. Upland varieties tolerate drier conditions but still need regular irrigation. Rice is a warm-season grass — it requires high temperatures throughout the growing season.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Germination temperature
- 20–35°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 25 cm |
| Sow depth | 2 cm |
| Mature height | 100 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 20–35°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Rice?
- Plant Rice 20cm apart with 25cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Rice?
- Rice is ready to harvest approximately 120 days after transplanting.
- Is Rice frost hardy?
- Rice is classified as Tender.
