The panicle is fairly dense and drooping in most varieties. The following is an illustration of a typical panicle with the different parts named. Flowering begins at the tip of the panicle and moves progressively downward to the panicle base. Depending on weather and variety, flowering normally lasts from 6 to 10 days. Flowering usually occurs from mid-morning to shortly after noon.
Rice is normally self-pollinated, with pollen being shed just before or at the time flowers open.
Flowering is delayed or stopped during cloudy, rainy, or cool weather. The period from first heading when 10 to 20 percent of the panicles have emerged from the boot until maturity is usually 30 to 40 days. Table 1 below explains the development period for varieties commonly grown in Mississippi. The rice kernel reaches its maximum length in 12 days, its maximum width in 2 days, its maximum thickness in 28 days, and its dry weight in 35 days after flowering. Before and during kernel growth, several factors may influence its development.