Rice Planting Calendar by Region

Rice is grown in a handful of states, and each region follows its own rhythm. Warmth, water supply and the ability to flood fields set the schedule.

Key points

Rice is grown mainly in the Mid-South, Gulf Coast and California.
NASS usual planting windows start in late March in the Gulf Coast and in May in California.
Water access and rules are central to timing.
Use annual extension rice guides for pest and weed management.

Where is rice grown, and why does region matter?

In the United States, rice is grown mainly in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Missouri and California. Each region has different weather and water systems. Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri sit in the Mid-South, along the Mississippi River. Louisiana and Texas use the warm Gulf Coast climate. California rice is grown in the Sacramento Valley under irrigation.

Rice needs warm temperatures for germination and growth, and reliable water for flooding. That means planting dates reflect when fields can be worked and when the soil is warm enough, which is why Gulf Coast growers start earlier than those in California.

When is the usual rice planting window in each region?

USDA NASS lists the most active planting periods in the October 2010 edition as about March 28 to May 1 in Louisiana, about March 23 to April 26 in Texas, about April 14 to May 19 in Arkansas, about April 18 to May 16 in Mississippi, about April 20 to May 19 in Missouri and about May 1 to May 25 in California.

The progression is clear: warmer, more southern regions start earlier. Louisiana and Texas sometimes plant a second crop from stubble in the same season, called a ratoon crop, which is a separate management topic you can ask your extension rice specialist about.

Gulf Coast planting begins in late March
Mid-South planting runs through April and early May
California planting begins in May

What does rice need at planting time?

Land preparation is a large part of rice planting. Many fields are leveled to hold an even depth of water, and levees help hold the flood. Seedbed method varies by region. Some fields are drill-seeded into dry soil and flushed or flooded afterward, while others are water-seeded. In California, aerial seeding into flooded fields is common.

Whichever method you use, the goal is a stand that emerges evenly. Soil temperature, rainfall and the availability of water all affect timing. Ask your state extension rice specialist about recommended methods for your area.

How do water rules and logistics affect timing?

Rice uses a lot of water, and access to it is a basic part of the plan. Irrigation districts, wells and surface supplies have different rules, schedules and costs. Check your local water rules, including any limits on pumping or timing, before you plant. These rules vary by state and sometimes by district.

Also plan for drainage, since fields need to be drained before harvest. If you are in a floodplain or a region with flood risk, think about how weather could affect planting or harvest timing.

What pest, weed and disease topics should you plan for?

Weed control is a major piece of rice management, including weedy rice in some areas, and disease pressure can be heavy in warm, humid regions. Extension rice specialists publish annual guides for each state, and they update recommendations as products and resistance patterns change.

All pesticide use follows the label, including pre-harvest intervals, restrictions near water and pollinator protection. Applicator licensing varies by state. Ask extension for current recommendations rather than using an old guide.

How should you plan your rice season?

Talk to your extension office, your seed supplier and your buyer. Build a timeline that includes land prep, planting window, flooding, mid-season management and harvest. Write down actual dates each year so you can improve your plan.

If you are new to rice, visiting a neighbor's farm during planting is an excellent way to learn. Equipment, water control and field layout are hard to understand from a guide alone.

What does a regional comparison teach a new rice grower?

Looking at several regions side by side shows how much rice depends on place. A Gulf Coast grower may finish planting before a California grower even starts, and a Mid-South grower sits between them. If you move from one region to another, or you read advice written for a different state, expect the dates and some of the methods to be different.

Use advice from other regions for ideas, but rely on your own state extension rice program for dates, varieties and water management. Variety choice also changes by region because varieties are bred and tested for local conditions, including disease pressure and season length. Ask a local specialist which varieties have the best record near you.

Finally, keep an eye on weather. A cold, wet spring can delay planting even in the South, and a late-planted crop may need a different variety or a revised harvest plan. Extension offices usually share planting progress during the season, which helps you see where you stand compared with the area.

Timing at a glance

Timing ranges for this topic
Item	Window	Caveat
Rice, Louisiana	Most active planting from about March 28 to May 1	Usual dates describe typical field activity in that state, not a safe date for your farm. Check your own last frost date, soil temperature and your state extension guide.
Rice, Arkansas	Most active planting from about April 14 to May 19	Usual dates describe typical field activity in that state, not a safe date for your farm. Check your own last frost date, soil temperature and your state extension guide.
Rice, Mississippi	Most active planting from about April 18 to May 16	Usual dates describe typical field activity in that state, not a safe date for your farm. Check your own last frost date, soil temperature and your state extension guide.
Rice, California	Most active planting from about May 1 to May 25	Usual dates describe typical field activity in that state, not a safe date for your farm. Check your own last frost date, soil temperature and your state extension guide.

When to get local help: Ask your state extension rice specialist, such as the University of Arkansas, LSU AgCenter or UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, for local guidance.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.

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