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The ability of AquaCrop was explored in simulating growth and development of irrigated rice genotypes under various seedling ages. Experiments were conducted in 2008 and 2009 in Amol, Iran. Local and improved cultivars were chosen (Tarom, Ghaem, and Fajr) and planted under various seedling ages. Results showed that AquaCrop simulated the rice growth and yield with reasonable accuracy. The model could follow the same order in simulated grain yield. However, the model had tendency toward slight overestimation of dry matter early in the season. AquaCrop could not capture the senescence of rice genotypes of the oldest seedling age very well and tended to keep leaves green for a longer period. The canopy cover (CC) of improved cutivars was simulated satisfactorily. Overall, it was concluded that AquaCrop is a good tool to simulate the behavior of various rice genotypes, especially improved ones, for management practices established upon seedling age variability. Recommendations for Resource Managers• AquaCrop-Rice is a practical and strong while easy-torun crop simulation model that could be used successfully by extension services and farmers for decision making on their best-management practices. • AquaCrop is able to simulate successfully the effect of variability in seedling age on rice, an important Natural Resource Modeling. 2018;31:e12162.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/nrm