This is a premium Japanese short grain rice that is distinguished by its aroma, sweet flavor and texture. It is an early maturing semi-dwarf variety that has been grown successfully in the United States since 1991. Dried stalks are beautiful displayed in flower arrangements. Leaves and hulls are rough.
Cultivation: Sow seeds in late spring/early summer after last frost. Cold delays maturity and increases blanking. Night temperatures should be above 70°F. Use low nitrogen to maximize market quality. Soil temperature should be 80-90°F for germination.
Direct Seeding Method: Place seeds ½" deep and 2" apart in well-tilled soil. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin to 4” at the 2-leaf stage. When the plants have reached the 4-leaf stage, they may be continuously flooded to a water depth of 2-3" until mature.
Water Seeding Method: Prepare a well-tilled seedbed and flood to a water depth of 2-3". Place the seeds 2" apart on top of the flooded soil. After the seedlings have grown above the water level, thin to 4" apart. Keep flooded while growing. When the majority of heads start to nod, drain for the last 2 weeks of growth until mature.
Please note: Maturity, adaptability and disease tolerance may differ under your specific climate and/or growing conditions.
