How to Grow American Lotus Seeds

Nelumbo Lutea American Lotus

The American Lotus, scientific name Nelumbo Lutea, is a perennial flower, meaning it lives for several years. Some common names for the Nelumbo are Waterlily, Lotus and American Lotus. An aquatic plant with large umbrella-like leaves that produces fragrant blooms in the summer, the American Lotus makes an ideal plant for water gardens. Lotus seeds have an unusually long viable germination period with evidence suggesting more than 200 years. This is due to their incredibly hard outer coating which calls for some special tricks to encourage germination.

Things You'll Need

• Lotus flower seeds
• Needle nose pliers
• Medium grit sand paper
• 12-inch-tall container
• Aquatic fertilizer

Instructions

1. 

   Grab the lotus seed firmly with needle nose pliers. Don't crack the seed. Rub the sand paper back and forth across the seed only until the top layer of the seed has been removed in one spot. Notice the thin white lines oval inside.

2. 

   Place the seed in cup of water that is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit in a warm, undisturbed location where the water temperature will not drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Replace the water daily to keep bacteria to a minimum. Watch the lotus seed over the next few days and weeks as it nearly doubles in size before it splits open like a clam and a seedling emerges.

3. 

   Place several inches of aquatic soil in the bottom of the container. Push the bottom half of the seedling into the soil. Refill the container with warm water up to two inches below the rim of the container, maintaining a consistent water level.

4. 

   Keep the seedling in warm, clean water in a sunny, well lit place. Wait for the first leaf to break the water's surface, spreading out to about two inches in diameter.

5. 

   Transplant the seedling to its final place in your water garden. Scoop the aquatic soil around the seedling from its current location in the container. Place the seedling and soil ball securely in the soil of the water garden making sure the garden's water level is consistent with that of the container.

6. 

   Check your lotus seedling leaves periodically for aquatic snails, caterpillars, and aphids. Remove them manually by picking them off. Avoid using harmful pesticides. Be patient during autumn when the leaves turn brown and become dormant until next spring.

Tips & Warnings

• American lotus flowers should be given an aquatic fertilizer once a month 30 days after germination. Once leaves begin to fade, remove them to allow new growth. In cold areas where the pond is likely to freeze over it is important to cover the pond in the winter to stop it from freezing.

• Germinating seeds are notorious for rotting. Keep a watchful eye on your seed. When soaking the lotus seed, change the water more frequently if the seed takes on a fuzzy or milky appearance. This may or may not salvage the seed. Periodically check your lotus seedling leaves for aquatic snails, caterpillars, and aphids. They like to eat the stem and leaves but can be removed manually without using harmful pesticides.

References

• Grow Lotus Flowers From Seeds

Resources

• Gardening Advice