🌾 Rice: Growing Guide
Rice (Oryza sativa) grows best in full sun with plenty of water, and does well at 20–38 °C (68–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart. Expect 100–180 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Oryza sativa |
|---|---|
| Category | Grains |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | High |
| Plant spacing | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 20–38 °C (68–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 100–180 days |
| Sowing depth | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Height | 50–180 cm (20–71 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Jun · Plant out: Jul · Harvest: Aug–Sep.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb–Mar, Aug · Harvest: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Jun · Plant out: Jul · Harvest: Aug.
Watering
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 3 days in winter. Needs plenty of water, semi-aquatic.
Growing tips
A staple food for billions of people. Paddy (flooded) vs upland. Arborio and Jasmine.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Rice: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Jun · Plant out: Jul · Harvest: Aug–Sep.
Rice: how often should I water it?
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 3 days in winter. Needs plenty of water, semi-aquatic.
Rice: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 2 cm (0.8 in).
Rice: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 100–180 days.
Rice: which plants grow well with it?
Lentil.
Rice: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Stem borer, Blast.
Plan your garden
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