Oryza sativa
Oryza sativa
Rice
◆
Description
Oryza sativa, better known as Asian rice, is the world’s staple grain and a surprisingly fun warm-season plant to grow at home. Given full sun, heat, and consistently wet soil (even a shallow “paddy” tub), it forms graceful clumps of grassy leaves and panicles that ripen into edible rice. Great for gardeners who enjoy trying unique edible crops.
Common Names
RiceAsian ricePaddy riceUpland rice
Context
nativeRegion
Domesticated in East and South Asia from wild Asian rices.
usdaZones
Grown as a warm-season annual across most zones; best outdoors in USDA 8–11 (long, hot seasons).
companionPlants
Azolla (mosquito fern), Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), Water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis), Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
culturalUses
Staple food grain; rice flour, noodles, and fermented drinks (sake/rice wine). Straw used for thatch, mats, crafts, and livestock bedding; significant ceremonial and cultural roles worldwide.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (8+ hours daily).
WateringKeep soil saturated; many growers maintain 1–4 inches of standing water from early growth through grain fill. Drain 1–2 weeks before harvest.
SoilRich, heavy loam or clay-loam that holds water; pH 5.5–7.0. For containers, use a 5–10+ gallon watertight tub or lined bed.
FertilizerIncorporate compost or a balanced organic fertilizer at planting. Side-dress nitrogen at tillering and again at panicle initiation; ensure adequate potassium and phosphorus.
HumidityPrefers moderate to high humidity; standing water reduces moisture stress.
TemperatureWarmth-loving: optimal 75–95°F (24–35°C). Night temps >59°F (15°C). Frost sensitive.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitAnnual, tuft-forming grass often cultivated in shallowly flooded beds.
Mature Size2–5 ft tall; 1–2 ft clump spread (variety dependent).
Growth RateFast in warm, long-season conditions (90–180 days to maturity).
BloomingSmall, wind-pollinated panicles mid to late season; grains ripen 30–45 days after flowering.
DormancyNone as a plant (annual). Seed stores dormant until next season.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (direct sow in wet bed), Transplant seedlings from nursery trays, Division of ratooned clumps/tillers
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best SeasonSpring to early summer after last frost, once water warms above ~65°F (18°C).
Maintenance & Notes
PruningNo pruning needed; weed control is key. Harvest by cutting stems. In warm climates, cut to 6–8 in to encourage a ratoon (second) crop.
RepottingFor container culture, sow fresh each season. If maintaining ratoons in frost-free areas, divide and replant after harvest.
Pests & DiseasesPests: planthoppers, leafhoppers, rice stem borer, armyworms, snails, birds. Diseases: rice blast, sheath blight, bacterial leaf blight. Use clean seed, resistant varieties, good spacing, water management, neem/BT for caterpillars, and netting against birds.
ToxicityNon-toxic and edible. Avoid growing in water/soil with high arsenic or heavy metals.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.