How to Grow
Lotus Seeds
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To grow lotus seeds, you need to scarify them (break the hard outer shell), soak them in water, and then plant them in a container with soil and water. Provide sunlight and warmth for germination and growth, eventually transplanting them to a larger container or pond.
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Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Scarification:​
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Lotus seeds have a hard outer shell that needs to be breached to allow water to enter and trigger germination. Scarification has already been provided for your seeds, so you may skip this step.
2. Soaking:
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Soak your seeds in warm water in a clear container preferably in the sunshine or warm sunny windowsill.
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Change the water daily to prevent it from becoming cloudy and stagnant.
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The seeds will start to sprout within a few days, with the first leaves appearing within about 10 days.
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After about 3 weeks you will have small roots emerging and can separate all your seedlings into separate containers with mud created from plain topsoil.​
GERMINATION (3-10 DAYS)
FIRST COIN LEAF (14 DAYS)
NEW ROOTS (ABOUT 3 WEEKS)
3. Planting:
PREPARE YOUR MUD:
Prepare a container with a layer of plain topsoil or clay soil, as potting mix can float to the top.
2" HOLE DEPTH PER SEEDLING.
Plant the sprouted seeds in the soil, ensuring the seed is covered by the soil. Seeds may be planted together or separately for individual plants.
POT IN POT METHOD
Using the pot in pot method, drop your potted seedlings into a deeper container and top off with water, ensuring the water level is just below your coin leaves.
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Place in a sunny location with 6+ hours of sunlight.
4. Care and Maintenance:
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Lotus plants need plenty of sunlight (at least 6 hours per day).
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Ensure the water level is maintained and change the water regularly.
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Consider using aquatic fertilizer tablets to promote flowering, but wait until the plant has a few aerial leaves before fertilizing.
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Lotus plants can be overwintered in the pond as long as the tubers are protected from ice. It is recommended that container plants are stored in a cool/cold dark place such as a garage until spring. See winterizing for more info.
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