Lotus Seeds
When should I plant
The best time to plant lotus seeds is in late spring or early summer when the weather is consistently warm and nighttime temperatures are above 50℉. The specific timing depends on your climate; start seeds in April in the Southern U.S. and in May in the Mid-Atlantic and Northern U.S.. Planting during this period ensures the seeds have enough warmth and daylight to sprout and grow before the colder months.
Site consideration
Lotus thrive in warm water but need room to grow, so finding the right pot is the key to success. We recommend that the smallest vessel for your lotus be no less than 12” deep and 24” wide. And good soil is essential in making sure your new lotus roots thrive rather than rot! Be sure to have a mixture rich in sand and clay with little organic matter. Regular potting soil is rich in organic material and will float to the top of your pot or pond rather than settle to the bottom.
Water
Maintain clean, fresh water in the container or pond. Change the water regularly to prevent stagnation and the buildup of harmful bacteria. Ensure the water level remains consistent and appropriate for the lotus variety. Typically, 2-12 inches above the soil is ideal.
Sunlight
Lotus plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, daily, to grow and eventually bloom. It’s the kind of plant that thrives better during the summer months due to the high temperatures, however, it does tolerate some shade and can equally bloom if the weather is right (and the water temperature is warm enough as well).
Seed Germination
Drop your seeds into warm water in a clear container and set them on a sunny windowsill to germinate. Keeping the water warm and clean will ensure a quick sprout. Change the water if cloudy to prevent bacteria growth. You should see sprouting in a week, roughly.
When the stems of your sprouted seeds are roughly four inches long, you can place them in a shallow bowl with a few inches of your soil mix and more warm water to cover the roots. When the plant has established itself in the shallow bowl, it’s time to transfer it to your pot!
Seeding Rate
There is no single "seeding rate" for lotus as it depends on the planting method. For planting in bowls, ponds, or pots, it is best to plant one seed per container to avoid competition. When planting in a large pond or field,the recommended spacing is 1.2meters by 2meters.
Other Elements
Fertilization
Fertilizing your lotus after a few leaves are aerial (i.e., no longer sitting on top of the water) can help boost your plants. Pressing aquatic fertilizer into soil monthly is typically best.
Weed control
For weed control around lotus seeds, use a combination of physical and chemical methods like hand-pulling small weeds, and for larger infestations, systemic herbicides like glyphosate or triclopyr applied when the lotus is actively growing and mature, ensuring an aquatic-approved surfactant is added. You can also use physical barriers such as planting in containers to limit spread.
Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.
For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.
Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
1. Improper drainage soil
2. Sowing depth more than one inch
3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
6. Lack of sunlight
7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.