Seed storage
We’ve had luck heat treating seeds for a couple days in 40C. Seeds do not need to be refrigerated after that.
Planting
Rice seeds can be planted directly into 3.5″ pots in corn mix. Typically five seeds are planted in one pot, with the awn sticking out.
Transplanting
After thinning down to one plant per pot, plants can stay in 3.5″ pots if only grown for tissue. If growing to seed, transplant into 5″ square pots.
Rice (Corn) Growing Medium
3:1 ratio of a 35% bark mix (Berger BM7) to turface (Turface MVP Regular).
Watering and Fertilizing
All plants are watered by greenhouse staff, 365 days a year. Fertilizer is given on a schedule: alternating weeks with tap water and 15:16:17 fertilizer. Between germination and flowering, CalMag Iron is given once a week or as needed.
Harvesting
When seeds start turning brown, seeds can be collected in paper coin pouches labeled with the ID and date.
Autoclaving
If rice is USDA regulated, follow USDA protocol next to the desk in the headhouse. All USDA regulated rice should be autoclaved and pots sterilized or tossed. Record autoclaving on the clipboard attached to the autoclave.