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About this seed
Sprout the seed before you sow it
Rice is started in a nursery from pre-sprouted seed. Soak the seed for 24 hours, drain it and keep it in a damp, dark place for another 24 hours, then sow when the root is 2–3 mm long. Cover sprouted seed with about 5 mm of soil.
These steps follow the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University nursery guide for rice in general; the guide does not describe basmati separately.
When to move the seedlings
Transplant young. In a transplanting trial on basmati published by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, three-week-old seedlings grew better than older ones, with more tillers and more dry matter. That trial set seedlings 30 cm between rows and 12 cm apart in the row. Mat nurseries in the same source were ready for transplanting in 25–30 days.
Water and light
Rice grows in saturated ground or in a large watertight container. Give it full sun and keep the water level steady while it tillers and flowers. Set seedlings in shallowly and do not bury the stem.
What is in the packet
Also known as: Asian rice, Paddy, Chawal, Dhan, Arisi, Arroz, Riz, Reis, Riso and Pirinç.
The packet holds 300 seeds of the rice selection sold as Basmati. The name identifies this seed lot, not a certified commercial cultivar, and seed-grown plants and grain can vary. Store unused seed sealed, cool and dry.