The lotus plant, which is also called Nelumbo sp., is an aquatic plant that is grown in ponds and water gardens. It has characteristic large, green leaves that float on top of the water and produces a white flower when in bloom. Although the lotus plant is most often grown from a tuber, you can also grow it from a seed. Growing a lotus from seed takes longer, but is a rewarding experience for the gardener.
Set the lotus seed on a non-slip surface, such as a kitchen cutting board. Hold the seed steady using a pair of pliers and cut into the hard outer seed shell using a utility knife. Cut down only until you can see the white, inner flesh. Repeat the process to cut any remaining lotus seeds that you are planting.
Fill a bowl with warm water and place the lotus seeds into it. Set the bowl in a warm location that is between 21.1 and 32.2 degrees Celsius.
Drain and refill the water twice per day until you see small green shoots emerge from them. Germination takes between two days and three weeks.
Place the seedlings into a larger container that is at least 12 inches deep. Fill it with warm water and place it back into the warm location. Allow the seedlings to stay in the water for 10 days or until you see roots form.
Fill an 8-inch diameter plant container without drainage holes half full of loam. Dig a hole in the loam that is only as deep as the roots on the lotus seedlings, and use a separate pot for each seedling.
Insert the roots of the lotus seedling into the hole and gently press the loam soil up around the roots.
Water the soil until water pools up on top of it by at least 3 inches.
- You can plant the lotus plants in an outdoor pond or water feature during the spring or summer after seed germination.
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