2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Rice in Texas
Complete guide to growing rice in Texas 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 Texas. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
60°F (16°C) minimum
Growing Period
100-130 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
March 15
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
November 15
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing rice in Texas.
January - February
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
March - April
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
May - July
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
August - September
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
October - December
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
Best Rice Varieties for Texas
These varieties have proven performance in Texas's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Presidio | Texas climate |
| 2 | CL272 | Texas climate |
| 3 | RT7521FP | Texas climate |
| 4 | Mermentau | Texas climate |
Growing Tips for Texas
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Texas farmers.
Texas Gulf Coast is primary rice region
Flood fields to 2-4 inch depth after stand establishment
Ratoon (second) crop possible in south TX for 60% additional yield
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
March 15
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
November 15
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant rice in Texas?
The optimal planting window for rice in Texas is March 15 to April 30. Soil temperature should reach at least 60°F (16°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 100-130 days.
What varieties of rice grow best in Texas?
The best varieties for Texas include Presidio, CL272, RT7521FP, Mermentau. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest rice in Texas?
The harvest window for rice in Texas is typically August 1 to September 30. The crop takes 100-130 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Texas 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.