A flush toilet is configured to permit user control of a flush cycle time and corresponding water usage. The toilet includes a bowl and a tank in fluid communication with the bowl. A flush handle assembly may be carried by the tank and may have a flush handle and a lever arm coupled thereto. In addition, there may be a flapper valve in the tank, and a rigid, adjustable-length, flapper control rod coupled between the lever arm and the flapper valve. Operation of the flush handle in a first direction may open the flapper valve, and operation of the flush handle in a second direction may close the flapper valve. This permits user control of the flush cycle time and corresponding water usage.