How to Plant Water Lotus Seeds

Water lotus, scientifically known as Nelumbo nucifera or Sacred Lotus, is a beautiful aquatic plant that produces stunning flowers. Growing water lotus in your backyard pond, water garden, or container adds a touch of elegance to your landscape. In this article, we’ll show you how to plant water lotus seeds with ease.

Choose Good Quality Seeds

The first step in planting water lotus seeds is to choose fresh and quality seeds. You can get the seeds from reputable online sellers or local nurseries. The best time to plant water lotus seeds is between March and July when the water temperatures range from 71-73°F. Be sure to select seeds that are plump, firm, and have hard shells.

Soak the Seeds

Before planting water lotus seeds, you need to soak them in water to soften the hard seed coat. Fill a bowl with warm water and immerse the seeds, leaving them to soak for 24-48 hours. Make sure you change the water every 12 hours to keep it clean and oxygenated.

Prepare the Planting Container

You can plant water lotus seeds in a pond, water garden, or container. If you choose to plant them in a container, select a wide and shallow container that’s at least 12 inches deep. Fill the container with a layer of loamy soil or heavy clay, leaving a few inches of space at the top. Add a layer of sand or fine gravel on top of the soil to hold the seeds in place.

Plant the Seeds

Once the water lotus seeds have soaked, they will swell and the pointed end will start to split. Use a sharp knife to nick the pointed end of the seed gently. Then, plant the seeds in the container or pond, pushing them halfway into the soil and covering them with a layer of sand.

Add Water

Once you have planted the seeds, add water to your container or pond. The water level should cover the seeds by at least an inch. Keep the water clean and fresh by changing it every week or as needed. If you’re using a container, place it in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Maintain Your Water Lotus

As your water lotus grows, it will produce leaves and flowers. To maintain your plant, fertilize it about once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Remove any dead flowers or leaves to prevent them from rotting and contaminating the water. If you’re growing water lotus in a pond, make sure to control the algae growth to keep the water clean and healthy.

Conclusion

Planting water lotus seeds is a simple and rewarding process. With a little patience and care, you can grow this beautiful aquatic plant in your backyard pond, water garden, or container. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be on your way to watching your water lotus bloom in no time!