Germination, emergence and early seedling growth were analyzed for red rice and rice cultivars Mars, Saturn, Lemont and Bellemont. The red rice germination percentage was higher than that of Lemont, Mars and Saturno However, when the germination rate index (GRI) was analyzed, Saturn had the quickest germination followed by red rice. There were no significant differences between varietal emergence percentages, but differences in the emergence rate index (ERI) of red rice and the four cultivars were significant, indicating that the red rice emerged more quickly. Radicle length at germination and length and dry weight of shoots and roots 10 days after emergence were recorded as characteristics of early seedling growth. In all cases, a significant difference between red rice and the four cultivars was found with red rice showing the highest value. When the shoots root ratio was calculated on a dry weight basis Saturn had the highest ratio followed by red rice. These results suggest that the rapid germination and emergence and early growth of both shoots and roots exhibited by red rice may contribute to its competitive ability by enabling it to preempt more resources at early stages of stand development.