Oryza sativa
Oryza sativa
Rice
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Common Names
RiceAsian rice
Context
nativeRegion
Domesticated in tropical Asia; widely cultivated in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions worldwide.
usdaZones
Annual in all zones; grown as a summer crop.
companionPlants
Azolla (nitrogen-fixing aquatic fern), Allium spp., Sesbania (green manure)
culturalUses
Staple food for over half the world's population; essential in Asian and global cuisines, with historical and ritual significance.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun is required for optimal growth; at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
WateringRequires consistently moist to flooded soil, especially during vegetative growth. Avoid letting soil dry out.
SoilPrefers fertile, loamy or clay soils with good nutrient content and water retention. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0).
FertilizerResponds well to balanced fertilizers high in nitrogen; apply at key growth stages such as tillering and panicle initiation.
HumidityHigh humidity is preferred; thrives in warm, wet environments typical of flooded paddies.
TemperatureOptimal growth between 24–30°C (75–86°F); sensitive to frost.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitAnnual, upright grass reaching 1–1.8 meters tall.
Mature Size1–1.8 meters tall, with spreading panicles bearing grains.
Growth RateRapid during warm, wet seasons; 3–6 months from sowing to harvest.
BloomingProduces inconspicuous flowers (inflorescences) before grain development; flowering typically occurs 40–50 days post-sowing.
DormancyNo true dormancy; seeds require drying and can be stored for future sowing.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (direct sowing or transplanting seedlings)
DifficultyEasy for agricultural varieties; some specialty types may require more care.
Best SeasonSow in late spring to early summer, after last frost and when temperatures are consistently warm.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningNot required, but thinning may improve air circulation in dense plantings.
RepottingNot applicable; typically direct-sown or transplanted to final site.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to fungal diseases (e.g., blast), planthoppers, stem borers, and snails. Good water management and resistant varieties help control issues.
ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and animals; safe as a food crop.
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