2026 Planting Guide
Fall cropWhen to Plant Rice in Vietnam
Complete guide to growing rice in Vietnam with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from national agricultural research organizations and FAO.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the rice growing season in Vietnam.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
20°C (68°F) minimum
Growing Period
90-120 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
N/A
Tropical climate
First Fall Frost
N/A
No frost risk
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing rice in Vietnam.
January - February
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
March - June
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
July - October
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
November - December
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
Best Rice Varieties for Vietnam
These varieties have proven performance in Vietnam's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IR 50404 | Vietnam climate |
| 2 | OM 5451 | Vietnam climate |
| 3 | OM 18 | Vietnam climate |
| 4 | Jasmine 85 | Vietnam climate |
| 5 | Dai Thom 8 | Vietnam climate |
| 6 | ST 25 | Vietnam climate |
Growing Tips for Vietnam
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Vietnam farmers.
Vietnam is world's #3 rice exporter — Mekong Delta produces 55%+ of output
Winter-Spring crop (vu Dong Xuan): Nov-Feb sowing, Mar-Apr harvest — highest yields
Summer-Autumn crop (vu He Thu): Apr-May sowing, Aug-Sep harvest
Red River Delta in the north has single main crop (vu Mua): Jun-Jul sowing
ST 25 won World's Best Rice award — premium aromatic variety
Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) reduces water use by 20-30% and methane emissions
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
No Frost Risk
Vietnam has a tropical or subtropical climate. Frost is generally not a concern, but altitude-dependent cold spells can occur in some areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant rice in Vietnam?
The optimal planting window for rice in Vietnam is November 15 to February 28. Soil temperature should reach at least 20°C (68°F) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 90-120 days.
What varieties of rice grow best in Vietnam?
The best varieties for Vietnam include IR 50404, OM 5451, OM 18, Jasmine 85, Dai Thom 8, ST 25. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest rice in Vietnam?
The harvest window for rice in Vietnam is typically March 15 to June 30. The crop takes 90-120 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from FAO and national agricultural extension services. 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.