Black Rice PLANT – Untreated & Heirloom – Forbidden Rice – Perennial Rice – Oryza Sativa
Biosecurity restriction (NSW): Due to rice biosecurity zones, these seeds cannot be sent to most of the Murrumbidgee and Murray River regions in NSW. Please check this link here for more info. Do not order if you live within the designated biosecurity zone.
Grow your own superfood at home with this untreated, heirloom Black Rice plant (Oryza sativa), also known as Forbidden Rice. In ancient China, this deep‑purple grain was reserved exclusively for the upper class – hence its legendary name. Today, you can cultivate this beautiful, productive plant right in your own garden, whether you have a sunny backyard bed or a large pot on a balcony.
Black Rice is a fast‑growing grass that can be grown as a perennial in warmer parts of Australia (QLD, northern NSW, NT) or as an annual in cooler regions (VIC, SA, southern NSW). It does not need to sit in water like traditional paddy rice – it thrives in consistently moist, well‑drained soil. Even if you never harvest the grain, the plant itself is strikingly ornamental, with slender green leaves that turn deep burgundy‑purple as the seed heads mature.
Uses:
Culinary Grain: Harvest, thresh, and hull your own black rice. It has a mild, nutty flavour and a slightly chewy texture, perfect for rice bowls, stir‑fries, sushi, rice puddings, and side dishes.
Whole Grain Nutrition: Unlike white rice, black rice retains its bran layer, making it a nutrient‑dense whole grain.
Natural Food Colour: The deep purple‑black pigment (anthocyanins) leaches into cooking water, naturally tinting dishes a beautiful purple colour.
Ornamental Grass: Even without harvesting, the tall, graceful stalks and dramatic dark seed heads make a stunning addition to any edible landscape or container garden.
Nutrients & Health Benefits:
Black Rice is widely regarded as a superfood, offering a range of health benefits beyond ordinary white or brown rice.
High in Anthocyanins: The same antioxidants found in blueberries and blackberries. These compounds help reduce inflammation, protect cells from oxidative stress, and support heart health.
Rich in Fibre: Promotes healthy digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer.
Plant Protein: Contains more protein than brown or white rice, making it a valuable addition to plant‑based diets.
Iron & Minerals: A good source of iron, which supports healthy blood and energy levels, as well as magnesium and phosphorus.
Slow‑Release Carbohydrates: Provides steady energy without sharp spikes in blood sugar, making it a favourable choice for sustained energy.
Note: Always do your own research before using any plant medicinally or making significant dietary changes. The information provided is for educational purposes only.
Growing Conditions & Planting Tips:
Rice is surprisingly easy to grow at home. Follow these guidelines for success.
Climate: Perennial in tropical and subtropical regions (QLD, NT, northern NSW). In cooler temperate areas (VIC, SA, southern NSW), grow as a summer annual. It does not tolerate frost.
Position: Requires full sun – at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for good grain production. Less sun means fewer seeds and weaker plants.
Soil: Prefers rich, well‑draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Enrich with compost or well‑rotted manure before planting. Raised garden beds or large pots with drainage holes work well.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Rice does not need to sit in standing water. Water deeply whenever the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. During flowering and grain‑filling (mid to late summer), consistent moisture is especially important.
Fertilising: Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Too much nitrogen produces lots of leaves but fewer grains.
Container growing: Grows beautifully in large pots at least 30–40 cm deep. Use a quality potting mix with added compost. Place the pot in a sunny spot and water regularly.
Harvesting, Processing & Storing:
Harvesting: Your black rice is ready to harvest when the grains turn deep purple‑black or golden brown and the stalks have begun to brown. This usually takes between 100 and 120 days from planting. Use sharp pruners or scissors to cut the stalks near the base and gather them into small bundles.
Drying (Air Method): Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, well‑ventilated area (a shed, garage, or covered porch works well) for 2–3 weeks. This slow, gentle drying is important for the best quality grain.
Oven or Dehydrator Method: If you have a small harvest and want to speed things up, you can dry the grains more quickly. Spread the rice grains on a baking tray and place them in an oven (fan‑forced if available) or a food dehydrator for 1–2 hours at 70°C. The grains are ready when they feel hard and dry.
Threshing: Once your bundles are completely dry, you need to separate the grains from the stalks. Do this by gently beating the bunches against the inside of a clean bucket or by rubbing the seed heads between your palms over a large bowl.
Winnowing: After threshing, you will have a mix of grains and lighter chaff (husks and debris). Remove the chaff by gently tossing the mixture in front of a fan or on a breezy day. The lighter chaff blows away, leaving the heavier, clean grains behind.
Storing: The grains you now have are “rough rice” – they are still encased in their inedible hull. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, where they will keep for many months.
Hulling & Eating: When you are ready to cook your rice, you need to remove the tough outer hull. You can do this by hand‑cracking the grains (using a small home mill, a mortar and pestle, or even rolling a glass jar over them on a hard surface). Once hulled, the dark purple grain is exposed. Rinse and cook like regular rice.
Care After Receiving Your Plant:
Your Black Rice plant has been grown with love. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:
Unpack immediately – Remove the plant from packaging. Check the soil; if dry, give it a light drink.
Rest & recover – Place the plant in a sheltered, shaded spot out of strong wind for 2–3 days to reduce transplant shock.
Slow sun introduction – Most of our plants grow in partial shade. Introduce to full sun gradually over 5–7 days to avoid leaf burn.
Transplant – Re‑pot into a larger pot (at least 30 cm deep) or plant directly into the ground when roots fill the current container. Space multiple plants about 20–30 cm apart.
Water in well – Give it a deep, thorough watering straight after planting. Thereafter, keep the soil consistently moist.
Mulch lightly – A thin layer of sugar cane or straw mulch helps retain moisture, but keep it away from the stems.
No fertiliser for 2 weeks – Let the plant settle before feeding.
What You Will Receive:
One young, healthy Black Rice plant (established seedling), grown untreated and heirloom, naturally with love in my permaculture food forest (Pacific Haven, QLD).
Shipping & Important Notes:
Dispatch: We usually send plants on Mondays to ensure they arrive fresh and before the weekend.
Shipping locations: Sending within Australia only, excluding Norfolk Island, NT, SA, TAS, and WA.
Biosecurity restriction (NSW): Due to rice biosecurity zones, these plants cannot be sent to most of the Murrumbidgee and Murray River regions in NSW. Do not order if you live within the designated biosecurity zone.
Pickup: Available by appointment from Pacific Haven, QLD.
Please Note: Do your own research before trying any new foods. Also refer to our full disclaimer in the footer of this page.
