2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Rice in California
Complete guide to growing rice in California with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from USDA and state extension services.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the rice growing season in California. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
60°F (16°C) minimum
Growing Period
120-150 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
February 15
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
December 1
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing rice in California.
January - March
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
April - May
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
June - August
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
September - November
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
December
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
Best Rice Varieties for California
These varieties have proven performance in California's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calrose M-206 | California climate |
| 2 | M-209 | California climate |
| 3 | Calhikari-202 | California climate |
| 4 | M-105 | California climate |
Growing Tips for California
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced California farmers.
Sacramento Valley produces 95% of CA rice
Medium-grain Calrose varieties dominate for sushi/Asian cuisine
Water-seeded (aerial seeding into flooded fields) is standard
Rice straw management — flood after harvest for decomposition
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Stem borers
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Brown planthopper
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Rice blast fungus
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Leaf folder
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Rice bug
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside rice, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
Frost Dates
Last Spring Frost
February 15
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
December 1
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant rice in California?
The optimal planting window for rice in California is April 15 to May 31. Soil temperature should reach at least 60°F (16°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 120-150 days.
What varieties of rice grow best in California?
The best varieties for California include Calrose M-206, M-209, Calhikari-202, M-105. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest rice in California?
The harvest window for rice in California is typically September 15 to November 15. The crop takes 120-150 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, California Cooperative Extension Service, and NOAA frost date records. Last updated: March 2026.
Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.