Scarlet Red Rice

Oryza sativa

Approximately 70 seeds per pack.

Germination ~ 93% Apr 2025 Packed 2026

Origins and History
Scarlet Red Rice is a striking heirloom variety of Oryza sativa with deep roots in the ancient rice-growing traditions of Asia and later the Americas. Red rice varieties were first domesticated in regions of India, China, and Southeast Asia, where farmers selected grains for their vibrant bran color and robust nutrition. Scarlet Red Rice in particular is believed to have been preserved through traditional seedkeeping communities that valued its color, flavor, and resilience. Similar red rice strains were carried to the Americas through trade and migration, taking root especially in Southern coastal regions where African and Asian rice traditions merged into a rich culinary and agricultural heritage.

Appearance and Characteristics
This heirloom rice is distinguished by its rich, brick-red husk and deep scarlet bran layer, which retain their hue even after cooking. The grains are long and slender with a slightly firm texture and earthy aroma. Scarlet Red Rice grows in compact, upright clumps reaching 3–4 feet tall, producing graceful panicles laden with colorful grains. It is a photoperiod-sensitive, medium-duration rice, known for its adaptability to both lowland paddies and upland fields with adequate irrigation.

Culinary Uses
Scarlet Red Rice has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and chewy texture that make it ideal for whole-grain dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, beans, seafood, and coconut-based stews. The red bran layer is rich in anthocyanins and fiber, giving it superior nutritional value compared to white rice. Traditionally, it is used in pilafs, grain bowls, and celebratory dishes across Asia and Africa, and it lends a beautiful color to rice salads and porridge.

Growing Tips 
Scarlet Red Rice thrives in USDA Zones 8–11 where warm temperatures and ample water support vigorous growth. It prefers full sun and fertile, loamy or silty soil with good water retention. In cooler climates, transplants can be started indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost and moved outdoors once temperatures remain consistently above 70°F. Direct seeding is also possible in flooded or moist fields. Sow seeds at a depth of about ½ inch (1.25 cm) in well-prepared, level soil. Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during the early tillering and panicle development stages.

Harvesting Guidance
Scarlet Red Rice typically matures in 110–130 days, depending on climate and management. Harvest when the panicles turn golden and the grains are firm and hard. Cut the stalks just above the soil line and bundle them for drying in a well-ventilated area for 10–14 days. Once fully dry, thresh to separate the grains, and store in a cool, dry place. Retain a portion of seed from the best-performing plants for replanting, ensuring the preservation of this heirloom variety’s striking color and cultural legacy.