How to Plant Lotus? A Detailed Guide On How to Germinate Lotus Seeds

The concept of home gardening is blooming these days, and everyone is developing a hobby of gardening, regardless of whether they have a small or a large home. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the quarantine days have contributed hugely to this. Although the world has returned to its old ways, this habit and hobby of gardening have been sustained.

​Not just this, people are now picking to buy seeds and grow their own plants instead of buying already-grown ones from the nurseries. Amongst many plants that people are fascinated to grow from seeds, lotus has indeed become a favourite, and its unique beauty explains why. If you are trying to plant lotus at home from the very initial step, you must do it the right way.

​There are steps involved right from planting seeds to a full blooming flower, and we will be sharing a detailed guide with every single detail, and not just the steps of plantation. Let’s help you with how to plant lotus.

​Origin and Importance of Lotus

​Before diving into the details about how to germinate lotus seeds, let’s first understand their origin and importance. Knowing about these details will only help you to know better about the right ambiance to create for the lotus to bloom at its full.

​More than an exquisite flower, the lotus is an honoured aquatic plant that has its origin in Asia, precisely in India and China, and its scientific name is Nelumbo Nucifera, commonly known as the sacred lotus. Large in appearance, lotus blooms on the water’s surface with its roots attached in the mud, and its importance is deep-rooted in India. It comes in large cup-shaped flowers and grows in different colours like red, pink, yellow, and white. The leaves are generally circular.

​For centuries, the lotus has been celebrated for its beauty and as a symbol of strength, and has been used in worshipping gods and goddesses. It is also India’s national flower, reflecting its significance. Apart from its appearance and significance, the lotus has been widely used in the making of traditional medicines, cuisine, and several religious practices. All these show how important the lotus has been in the history of India and certain parts of Asia.

​There is also another variant of lotus, Nelumbo Lutea, commonly known as the American lotus, which is native to North America. It grows large yellow flowers, but slightly smaller than Nelumbo Nucifera, and the leaves are also circular, but their stems are generally longer and go above the water.

​Important Elements to Grow a Lotus Plant

​Since lotus plants are aquatic plants, they require much more than the usual plants you may have been growing, so when you are considering how to germinate lotus flower seeds, below are the most important elements you will need:

​Sunlight

​This is common, and like any other plant, even lotus plants need direct sunlight of about 6 to 8 hours every day. If the pond you have created to grow your lotus plant doesn’t get enough sunlight, then growing lotus can be challenging, so it's better to move them to a sunny area.

​Water Depth and Quality

​Well, you must know that you will need water to grow lotus plants and have to create a pond for the same, but how do you know the right depth for the water? Well, this is an important point, and you will need about 2 feet of deep water and a maximum of 4 feet. The water should be still and not be moving.

​The water cleanliness and quality are also important. You will have to keep supplying the clean water in regular intervals because maintaining the pH level of the water plays a crucial role in the growth of lotus.

​Soil

​Lotus needs high-quality soil packed with nutrients and 2 to 3 feet deep. The best would be the mixture of sand, soil, and organic compost. You may buy the readymade soil directly from the market specialized in growing lotus. Also, a shallow soil base can hinder the growth of the lotus, so add enough layers of soil at the bottom of the pot or pond.  

​A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Grow Lotus

​To see lotus blooming from seeds to a full-size flower is a satisfying feeling, but to grow them, you have to follow the right steps, sourcing the high-quality seeds and putting them through the process of germination, and we will be helping you with that.

​Selecting the Right Variety

​The very first thing to do when planting lotus at home, you need to start with is selecting the right variety of the lotus seed, as there are two variants that are commonly found, Nulembo Nucifera (The sacred lotus) and the Nelumbo Lutea (The American Lotus). Next, pick the lotus that you know will thrive and grow properly in the area you are living in, and you will be able to provide all the requirements for the proper growth of the lotus.

​Prepare the Seeds

​To know that you have picked the right seeds, ensure that they are dark brown and hard. The hard layer is the protective shield that lets the seed stay dormant for many years, and some scientists have been able to sprout lotus seeds that were about 1000 years old. Cut the outer shield carefully until you see the cream-coloured layer visible, so that water can reach and activate the signals for germination.

​Put The Seeds into Water

​After you have successfully taken out the inner seed, drop it into a clean container filled with warm water and keep it under the sun to germinate. Warm water quickens the process of sprouting and keeps on changing water to prevent mold or bacteria from growing. With this process, it will take about a week for the seed to sprout. Once you see the seeds sprouting and they are about 4 inches long, transfer them to a shallow bowl with soil and add more water on top of it. Once it has adjusted in the bowl, transfer it to the pot.

​Plantation of the Seeds

​The lotus seeds thrive in the warm weather, but to grow properly, they need the right pot and soil. For planting them, the smallest pot should of the size of 12*24 (depth*width). The soil should be of good quality, and to make one, mix soil with sand and organic matter. It will help the plant to float on the surface and not drown at the bottom. Fill the pot or pond with water.

​Note: Ensure to keep the water clean and change it regularly. Also, remove any dead plants or debris floating on the surface.

​Maintenance Tips for Growing Healthy Lotus​

Your task of growing lotus doesn’t end with planting the seeds and leaving them, but your real task starts after that. To grow a healthy lotus, you will have to put more effort, and here are some maintenance tips  that will help you in growing them:

​Watering

​Here, watering doesn’t mean watering the plant, but keeping the water in the pond clean and healthy. Lotus needs water that is about 2 to 4 feet deep to sustain the moisture, and if they get infiltrated with dust, dirt, dead leaves, and chemicals, they can rot. To prevent this from happening, change the water regularly and remove the dirt and dust every day because if it settles in the root, damage can be real.

​Fertilizing

​Despite growing in water, lotus also has its need for regular fertilization to ensure that it is getting enough supplies of nutrients. Add the fertilizers slowly, like adding them to the soil or mixing with the water and repeat the process every 2 or 3 weeks.

​Pest and Disease Prevention

​If your plant is already growing, then it is also a time of concern because of possible pest and disease attacks. Though lotus is highly disease and pest-resistant, regular monitoring will ensure its health.

​Maintaining Temperature

​Lotus plants thrive best in warm conditions and can react badly in extreme conditions, both summer and winter. In summer, protect the plant from overheating, and in winter, bring the plant indoors to escape extreme cold.  

​Overwintering Protection

​Lotus generally survives in winters, but not harsh winters, and when it freezes out there, you have to protect it by removing it from the water and keeping it in a cool and dry place. Ensure the water is not completely frozen, and there is a regular supply of water in the tubes of the lotus to keep it from dying.

​General Tips to Maintain Your Lotus Plant

​Apart from the dedicated maintenance tips that contribute to the growth of the lotus plants, there are other tips too that you should be considering during and after your lotus at home blooms.

• In the very first year after propagating your lotus plant, it is normal that your plant only has leaves and not the flower because the plant takes time to develop tubers. Don’t become impatient and give your plant a time of 1 to 2 years to grow a blooming flower.

• After you notice that a few leaves of your lotus plant are finally floating on the surface of the water, adding fertilizer at this stage can be very beneficial for your plant.

• A few yellow leaves after the growth of the plant is common and usually not something you should be highly concerned about. It means that your lotus is temporarily getting dormant and focusing on developing thick tubers.

• The right temperature for the growth of your lotus is very important, as well as the location. Keep them in sunlight and warm water to ensure their proper growth.

• In extreme winters, overwintering your lotus can damage the entire plant, so consider keeping them inside during the peak winter. A regular supply of water is essential to keep them alive.

  
  

How to Enhance the Beauty of Your Lotus Pond?

​Now that you have a lotus blooming in your pond, you would very much like to enhance its beauty, and here are some ways to do it:​

Add Other Aquatic Plants

​If you have only 1 or 2 lotus blooms in the pond, you can add more aquatic plants like water lilies and grasses to complement their beauty. This will create an entire aquatic ecosystem and will look appealing.

​Add Lights

​There are floating, water, and even submerged lights available in the market that you can buy and add to the pond or make it float to give it a more spectacular look.

​Add Decorative Items

​You can add decorative items like colourful stones, sculptures, small fountains, and others to enhance the beauty of your pond and make your lotus look more mesmerising.

​Add Aquatic Animals

​This is entirely up to your personal choice, but you can add turtles, small fish, or orange golden fish to your pond to make it look more beautiful.

Final Words

​Growing lotus is becoming extremely popular amongst people for its exquisite beauty and easy-to-follow steps. When added to the garden, it gives a stunning look and almost steals the limelight. However, if you are unsure about how to plant lotus and grow it the right way, this guide will be your right companion. Not just the plantation or germination process, but you will also be able to maintain it after it blooms and keep it alive in extreme conditions.

​FAQs

​How can I plant a lotus?

To plant lotus, you will need to first find the right variety of seed, prepare it in warm water until you notice the sprout, and transfer it into the right pot consisting of mixed soil and water added on the top.​

Which month is best to grow lotus?

The ideal time to grow lotus is during the warm months and early monsoon, as the warm temperature helps lotus grow at a faster rate. The ideal months are generally from April to September.

​Can a lotus grow in just soil?

Yes, lotus can grow in soil only, but it will need a specific kind of soil, precisely loam-based soil or heavy clay.

​Can a lotus grow without sunlight?

No, lotuses can’t grow without sunlight, as they bloom during the warmer months and need 6 to 8 hours of daily sunlight.

​Are lotuses difficult to grow?

In comparison to many plants, lotuses are considered to be easy growers. All they need is the right soil, water pond, temperature, and fertilizers with bare minimum maintenance tips.

​Which soil is suitable for lotus?

The most suitable soil to grow lotus is heavy clay or loam-based soil, as they are rich in nutrients and supply everything required to grow a healthy lotus.