Ornamental flowers seeds

Black Madras ornamental rice

Oryza sativa

Product code : 61-4658-010

Black Madras ornamental rice develops green-bronze foliage that turns purple in sun. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds. Plants reach about 40 cm tall with a 20–25 cm spread. Sow indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost at 20–24 °C; germination generally takes 7–14 days. Use a porous mix, keep seedlings moist, and harden them before transplanting. Plant in full sun in soil that retains water well because this rice should not dry completely. Ideal for borders and large containers, it provides ornamental interest from July through October and may produce edible grains during a sufficiently warm season.
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Detailed plant guide
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Quantity
Approximately 30 bare seeds per packet
Exposure
Sun or partial shade
Life cycle
Annual

Discover the plant

Common nameBlack Madras ornamental rice
FamilyPoaceae
GenusOryza
Speciessativa
CultivarBlack Madras
Typebare seeds
Botanical nameOryza sativa

Black Madras ornamental rice (Oryza sativa) This easy-to-grow annual provides an exotic look with narrow foliage that begins green-bronze and develops purple tones when it receives enough sun. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds. Plants reach about 40 cm tall and spread 20–25 cm, a convenient size for large containers and borders. During a sufficiently warm and favourable season, the plant may also form edible grains. Black Madras is valued primarily as an ornamental for the colour and texture of its dracaena-like foliage. Its upright habit adds contrast beside rounded or flowering annuals, while the changing leaf colour becomes more pronounced under strong light.

For best results, sow indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost and keep the growing medium between 20 and 24 °C. Germination generally takes 7–14 days. Use a porous, well-drained seed-starting mix to prevent excess water around young roots while maintaining consistent moisture. After emergence, provide bright light and do not allow seedlings to dry out. Harden plants gradually before transplanting after frost danger has passed. Warmth and sustained bright exposure encourage faster growth and stronger purple colouring. Keep the seedlings evenly moist during hardening because their water needs remain higher than those of many common annuals.

Plant Black Madras in full sun in soil that retains moisture well. Unlike many annuals, this ornamental rice prefers consistently moist soil and should not dry completely. Clay soil, a compost-rich medium, or a large container that holds moisture can work well. A container may even be placed in about 5 cm of water during summer, with the level checked regularly. Use it as a foliage accent in borders or containers. Its season of interest generally extends from July through October. For best results, water frequently during hot weather and place the plant where it receives as much useful light as possible. Regular moisture helps maintain steady growth throughout summer.

Image of Black Madras ornamental rice showing the variety and its visible characteristics to help identify the product before sowing. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

Surface sow; do not cover

Spacing / density

Allow for a 30-to-45-cm spread

Germination temperature

20 to 24 °C

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

Indoors 2 weeks before final frost or directly after frost

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

For best results with Black Madras ornamental rice, follow the confirmed sowing information and observe growth at each stage. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun. Very attractive in containers or as a border plant, it’s a sun lover and needs regular watering. Under nice fall conditions, you may even harvest some rice and eat it! Measured care based on the plant’s condition generally supports better balance than unnecessary routine treatments. For containers, drainage and soil volume directly influence moisture stability around the roots and the frequency of watering. In the garden, an accessible position makes observation, occasional watering, harvesting, and timely maintenance easier. It is recommended to remove only damaged material while retaining healthy foliage needed for continued growth.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Light, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil

Minimum temperature

Frost tender during annual production

Care level

Easy

Watering

For Black Madras ornamental rice, check soil moisture before watering and adjust frequency to weather and observed growth. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety.

Soil type

This variety prefers soil or growing medium that follows the drainage and texture information published for Black Madras ornamental rice. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety.

Fertilization

Fertilization for Black Madras ornamental rice can remain moderate and be adjusted to soil fertility and observed vigour. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety.

Moisture

Consistent without saturation

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for Black Madras ornamental rice relies on regular observation, measured intervention, and respect for its growth cycle. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun. Very attractive in containers or as a border plant, it’s a sun lover and needs regular watering. Under nice fall conditions, you may even harvest some rice and eat it! Measured care based on the plant’s condition generally supports better balance than unnecessary routine treatments. For containers, drainage and soil volume directly influence moisture stability around the roots and the frequency of watering. In the garden, an accessible position makes observation, occasional watering, harvesting, and timely maintenance easier. It is recommended to remove only damaged material while retaining healthy foliage needed for continued growth. Results may vary with weather, sowing date, soil quality, and the number of hours of useful light each day. This approach helps gardeners enjoy the variety’s confirmed qualities without adding more maintenance than the plant requires.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Container at least 30 cm wide with drainage
Black Madras ornamental rice can be considered for a container when volume, drainage, and light match the expected growth. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun. Very attractive in containers or as a border plant, it’s a sun lover and needs regular watering. Under nice fall conditions, you may even harvest some rice and eat it! Measured care based on the plant’s condition generally supports better balance than unnecessary routine treatments. For containers, drainage and soil volume directly influence moisture stability around the roots and the frequency of watering. In the garden, an accessible position makes observation, occasional watering, harvesting, and timely maintenance easier. It is recommended to remove only damaged material while retaining healthy foliage needed for continued growth.
Image of Black Madras ornamental rice showing the variety and its visible characteristics to help identify the product before sowing. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

40 cm (15.7 in)

Width / spread

20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 in)

Flower color

Bronze-green to purple foliage

Foliage color

Bronze green to purple

Foliage type

Dark contrasting foliage

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright and tufted

Fragrance

No particular fragrance confirmed

Bloom period

Flowering of Black Madras ornamental rice can be appreciated according to the timing, colour, and garden role described for this variety. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety.

Days to maturity

8 to 10 weeks
Image of Black Madras ornamental rice showing the variety and its visible characteristics to help identify the product before sowing. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should Black Madras ornamental rice be sown?
Sowing time for Black Madras ornamental rice depends on the confirmed packet information, the last frost date, and your region. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun.
Which light exposure suits Black Madras ornamental rice?
Light exposure for Black Madras ornamental rice should follow the published variety information and the light actually available in your garden. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun.
How should Black Madras ornamental rice be watered?
Before watering Black Madras ornamental rice, check the growing medium and foliage so frequency reflects current conditions. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun.
Can Black Madras ornamental rice be grown in a container?
Black Madras ornamental rice can be grown in a container when the pot provides effective drainage and enough volume for expected growth. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun.
When can you enjoy the harvest or flowering of Black Madras ornamental rice?
Black Madras ornamental rice is enjoyed during the flowering or decorative development period indicated for this variety. Black Madras ornamental rice is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. The packet contains approximately 30 bare seeds, and the formulation is bare seeds. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety. You can adjust care to your soil, weather, and observed growth without exceeding the plant’s actual needs. Black Madras Easy to grow, new and exotic, this ornamental rice looks like dracena spikes, turning from green to purple in the sun.