Oryza sativa
Origin: Thailand
Improvement status: Cultivar
Seeds per packet: ~70
Germination tested 11/2023: 85%
Life cycle: Annual
We originally sourced this great short-season rice from John Sherck of Sherck Seeds (retired) in northern Indiana. Here's what he wrote about this rice on his old website: "This is a landrace medium grain variety from Thailand. It was entered into the USDA's National Plant Germplasm System in 1991 with the identifying number "PI 585047". Whereas many rice varieties from Southeast Asia are day-length sensitive, this one appears to be day-length neutral. It began flowering 55 days after transplanting and was harvested 95 days after transplanting at the end of August. The plants reached 3 1/2 feet in height and had minimal problems with lodging. This is a fully awned, medium grained variety with good yields at 9 pounds of rice per 100 square foot (100 plants average)."
The USDA page for this rice says that it was originally collected in Pasang District, Amphur Mae Chan, Chiang Rai Province. Our seed was produced for us by our friends Skye Harnsberger and Dylan Bruce of Circadian Organics in Ferryville, Wisconsin.
GROWING TIPS: Direct seeding may be possible for this relatively early flowering variety, but we recommend soaking 24 hours and starting indoors up to 3 weeks before last frost, then transplanting after danger of frost. Space plants a foot apart. Water frequently while the plant is growing, and especially during flowering — as much water as you would give tomatoes or corn. Cut and bundle before frost when husks are dry.
