Is there a secret to getting lotus seeds to sprout?

Discussion in 'Water Gardening' started by desertflower, Jun 28, 2007.

  1. desertflower

    desertflower Seedling

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2007
    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Oklahoma
    A couple of years ago I found some beautiful "pond plants" in my father-in-law's pond in Oklahoma. I didn't know what they were till I did some research. Now I have forgotten the official name of the variety, but they are lotus. I harvested some seed pods, brought them home to Az and was all excited to grow some in my pond. I also did some research on planting the seeds and nicked the edge of the seed like it said to do. I have yet to get even one to sprout. The flower is yellow and about 9 inches across..really pretty. Any help would be appreciated. I appologise if the information is already here somewhere and I just haven't found it yet. Thanks and have a wonderful day!

    desertflower
     
  2. Loading...


  3. Frank

    Frank GardenStew Founder Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2005
    Messages:
    18,089
    Likes Received:
    2,178
    Location:
    Galway, Ireland
    They sound beautiful desertflower. A few questions/suggestions:

    - How far are you cutting into the seed to expose the inner part? Too far would be a bad idea.
    - How wide is the cut?
    - I've read the seeds must be soaked in water at a temperature with 77 - 80 deg F.

    Hope this helps, it would be shame if you were not able to get them to germinate.
     
  4. desertflower

    desertflower Seedling

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2007
    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Oklahoma
    thank you

    As I understood it, you just nick the outer covering and not damage the inside. I did soak them but don't remember how long or what temp. If I ever make it back the the pond, I will climb in and get some roots or tubers or whatever they have and try it that way. :D
     

Share This Page