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The lotus is a beautiful and fragrant flower that is native to Asia and can grow as far south as Australia. There are only two species of lotus: the pink-flowered sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and the yellow-flowered American lotus (N. lutea). Fortunately, lotuses are easy to grow, provided you meet a few basic requirements. In this guide, we will cover how to grow lotuses from seeds in Australia, including the ideal temperature, sunlight, soil, and fertiliser requirements for your lotus seeds to blossom into beautiful flowers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seed type | Dry and hard, dark brown with a pointed end and a dimple |
| Seed preparation | Rub the seed coat with sandpaper until a lighter colour is visible at the centre |
| Soil | Rich loamy garden soil or a mix prepared for aquatic plants; avoid regular potting soil as it will float in water |
| Soil depth | 3-5 inches |
| Water temperature | 22-30°C or 75-87°F |
| Sunlight | Full sun, at least 6 hours per day |
| Fertiliser | Aquatic plant fertiliser, slow-release fertiliser, crumbed poultry manure, blood and bone |
| Container | Large pot with no holes in the bottom, at least 12 inches deep and 24 inches wide |
| Transplanting | Choose a proper basin, put in half a basin of soil and immerse in water for 2 weeks |
| Bloom | Within 50-80 days of sowing, depending on the season |
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What You'll Learn
Lotus seed preparation
To prepare your lotus seeds for planting, you should first inspect them. Healthy seeds should be dry, hard, and dark brown in colour, similar in size to a tiny acorn.
Next, you will need to rub the hard, dark brown seed coat on rough sandpaper. Focus on the end of the seed with a dimple, which is the opposite end to the pointed end. Continue to sand until a lighter colour is visible in the centre of the sanded area.
Now, heat some water to 40°C. Place the sanded seeds into the warm water and cover the container. Leave the seeds to soak overnight.
The next day, place 5 cm of garden soil in a 25 cm deep bucket or bowl. Gently fill with water to 10 cm above the soil level. Place the container in a sunny position to allow the water to warm up and settle.
Finally, encase each soaked seed separately in a ball of silty mud. Gently settle each ball of mud into the soil surface, ensuring there is around 10 cm of warm water above. Cover the container with plastic to keep it warm and place it in a sunny spot. The seeds should sprout within 10 days.
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Choosing a container
When choosing a container for your lotus, it's important to select one that is large enough to accommodate the plant's extensive root system and allow for future growth. Here are some key considerations and steps to follow:
- Select a container that is wide and shallow rather than narrow and deep. A good rule of thumb is to choose a container with a diameter of at least 60-100 centimetres and a depth of around 45-60 centimetres. This will provide ample space for the roots to spread out.
- Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom. Proper drainage is crucial for lotus, as they prefer moist but not soggy conditions. Drainage holes will allow excess water to escape, preventing waterlogging and root rot.
- Consider using a sturdy, durable material such as ceramic, fibreglass, or plastic. These materials are ideal because they are long-lasting and can withstand the weight of the plant and water. Avoid metal containers, as they may rust over time, and wooden containers, as they can rot or leak.
- Look for a container with a smooth interior surface. This will make it easier to remove the lotus plant when necessary and prevent the roots from becoming entangled or damaged. Avoid containers with rough or sharp edges that could harm the roots.
- Place the container in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, depending on your climate. Lotus prefers sunny conditions, but in hotter climates, a bit of afternoon shade can be beneficial. Ensure the location is sheltered from strong winds, which can damage the delicate flowers and leaves.
- Before planting, prepare the container by filling it with an appropriate soil mixture. A heavy, loamy soil is best, as it will help weigh down the container and provide the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. You can create your own mixture by combining clay, topsoil, and a small amount of sand or compost.
By following these steps and considerations, you'll be able to choose the right container for your lotus, providing a healthy and supportive environment for it to thrive.
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Soil and fertiliser
Soil:
- Choose a soil mix specifically formulated for aquatic plants or water gardens, which is heavy and rich in organic matter.
- Alternatively, you can create your own soil mix by combining equal parts garden soil, sand or perlite, and compost or well-rotted manure. Ensure the soil is fertile, loamy, and dense.
- The soil pH for lotus plants should be between 6.0 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral. You can adjust the pH by adding sulphur to lower it or agricultural lime to raise it.
- It is important to use soil with the right texture and particle size. A mixture of fine and medium particle sizes is ideal, providing a balance between water retention and drainage. Avoid using soil with a high clay content, as it can become compacted and hinder root growth.
Fertiliser:
- Fertiliser plays a vital role in providing the necessary nutrients for healthy lotus plant growth.
- Look for a slow-release, granular fertiliser with an NPK ratio of around 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. This balanced ratio ensures the plant receives sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Apply fertiliser tablets or pellets at the bottom of the planting container before placing the seeds. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package for the recommended amount.
- As the lotus plant grows, supplement its nutrition with a liquid fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season. Dilute the liquid fertiliser to half the recommended strength, as full strength may damage the plant.
- Stop fertilising in late summer to early autumn, allowing the plant to prepare for dormancy during winter.
By following these soil and fertiliser guidelines, you can create an optimal environment for your lotus seeds to thrive and grow into beautiful lotus plants.
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Water temperature
In Australia, maintaining consistent water temperatures within the optimal range can be challenging due to seasonal variations and regional differences. In cooler months, you may need to consider using a water heater or insulation to maintain the desired temperature. Conversely, during hot Australian summers, the water may become too warm for optimal lotus growth. In this case, shading the container or pond and regularly changing the water to maintain cooler temperatures may be necessary.
Once the seeds have germinated and the plants are established, they can tolerate a wider range of water temperatures. However, for optimal growth and blooming, it is best to maintain water temperatures above 15°C. Lotus plants grown in water temperatures below this threshold may experience stunted growth and reduced blooming.
It is also important to note that lotus plants grown in containers or ponds may be affected by temperature variations caused by their environment. For example, containers exposed to direct sunlight may heat up, raising the water temperature above the optimal range. Therefore, monitoring water temperature regularly and taking steps to mitigate extreme temperature fluctuations are essential for successful lotus cultivation in Australia.
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Sunlight requirements
Lotus plants require full sun and need at least 5 to 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow well and produce flowers. They thrive best in a sunny, warm environment. If the amount of light is insufficient, the plant may struggle to bloom.
Lotus plants can be grown in a sunny spot in your garden or on a windowsill. If growing outdoors, ensure the plants are protected from fountain or waterfall splash. They dislike very cold winters and can survive mild frosts in winter. In very cold areas, lift pots once the foliage dies down in April and overwinter in a well-ventilated, frost-free spot.
When germinating seeds, place them in warm water in a clear container and set them on a sunny windowsill. Keeping the water warm and clean will ensure quick sprouting, which should occur within a week. Cover the top of the container with plastic to keep it warm in a sunny position while the seeds sprout.
Once sprouted, the lotus should be placed in a shallow bowl with a few inches of soil mix and warm water. When the plant has established itself in the bowl, it can be transferred to its final home.
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Frequently asked questions
The lotus you are most likely to find available for purchase is the Sacred Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera. These are tall, blush pink flowers with large fan-like leaves that rise out of the water.
Lotus plants need full, all-day sun and still water to perform well. They require water temperatures between 22-30 degrees Celsius. Lotus seeds can be sowed at any time of the year.
A large, deep pot with no holes in the bottom is ideal for growing lotus from seeds. Try to get one at least 12 inches deep and 24 inches wide.
Lotus plants require a rich, loamy garden soil or a mix prepared specially for aquatic plants.
File off the outer layer of the seed or cut the seed carefully until the cream-coloured layer is visible. Drop your seeds into warm water and set them on a sunny windowsill to germinate. Change the water if cloudy to prevent bacteria growth. When the stems of your sprouted seeds are roughly four inches long, place them in a shallow bowl with a few inches of your soil mix and more warm water.
