The Stages of Rice

Rice changes as it grows - this is a given. To put it shortly, the development stages of rice can be split into such:

1. Seedlings
2. 1st Offshoots
3. 2nd Offshoots
4. 3rd Offshoots
5. Sprouting
6. Ripe

Each stage of rice will need its own considerations and needs; for example, they will all need different water levels.

## Water levels

On your first harvest, Tauemon will tell you that using the water gates to set the water level in the field to around the height it would submerge Sakuna's ankles; this is correct. At this point, you will not have access to Aquatic Instincts, a farming skill that will allow Sakuna to see the water levels and temperatures of the rice paddy as numbers. While this will skill will aid you in your farming, there are no "best" water levels, so use your own judgement.

It is, however, worth noting that deeper water can promote growth of weeds. Water levels will further be outlined in the following rice stages.

## Seedlings

> *Hurry and take root!*
>
>

The rice seeds have just been planted here; Tauemon's advice of having the water up to Sakuna's ankles is, as mentioned, just above. It is not advised to flood the field as it can cause weeds to start growing very early on, which can be hard to manage. If you have ducks, feel free to release them every day to take care of pests and weeds.

During this phase, you'll need to add Root fertilizer.

## 1st/2nd Offshoots

> *The stalks have begun multiplying. offshoot season is here!*
>
>

You don't have to treat the rice much differently than you did to the seedlings stage; it is advised to keep the water level as it was before, but be watchful of your rice in 2nd offshoots during the summer lets it move onto third offshoots right before a long expedition.

During this phase, you'll need to add Kernel fertilizer.

## 3rd Offshoots

This is where you need to pay attention; if you play in English and you observe your rice, Sakuna will say:

> *"If I recall, if there are too many stalks, it diminishes the yield. Maybe I should let out some water?"*
>
>

This advice should be heeded, and Tauemon says the same; drain the field of all water for the duration of Third Offshoots, as water in the field during this stage will weaken the rice and the crop will not be as high quality.

It is recommended to lock your ducks around this stage, as once the rice starts sprouting, they will start eating the rice, decreasing your yield. Otherwise, this stage of rice growth can be a breath of fresh air, as draining the field strongly inhibits weeds and pests.

During this phase, you'll need to add Kernel fertilizer.

## Sprouting

> *"Oh, what a lovely sight!"*
>
>

The sprouting phase is where the battle truly begins.

You will need much deeper water than before as the rice uses up a lot of water in this phase. In turn, this gives rise to weeds and pests, and without the ducks to take care of them here, it will be difficult to keep your rice from developing diseases. If you are trying for high Aesthetic, you can keep both water gates open so water flows through, evening out temperature and making it slightly easier to handle weeds (though not by much).

During this phase, you'll need to add Leaf fertilizer.

Keep on top of your fertilizer throughout the summer - you are almost there.

## Ripe

This is it; the rice is ready for harvest. Do remember not to harvest too early, however, as this can give rise to Bakanae disease. Wait until autumn, and go forth and reap the rewards of your hard work!

Take note that there is no point to adding stat bonuses via fertilizer at this stage, as they will not be fertilized.

## Skills

Below is a list of the skills that will aid you with these steps of the process.