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Sprouted lotus seeds, now what?

8 years ago

What is a good and easy way to grow lotus? I want to grow in a container as my 'pond' is a half-whisky barrel and already full. Last year I tried growing lotus in a container, but I added mosquito fish and the raccoons destroyed my small water garden. Thanks for any input.

Featured Answer

azdesertpond

8 years ago

Eloise, It looks good and should do ok in that size container. I grew a full size lotus in a whiskey barrel, planted in a tub nearly the same diameter. The plant grew about 4 ft tall. Good luck!

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Comments (14)

azdesertpond
8 years ago
Hi Eloise, Lotus like to grow in containers that are round and as large as you can fit in your water container or is manageable. The roots will grow around the edges of the container mostly and the container does not need to be deep; 6-8" of soil would work for most.
eloise_ca
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you azdesertpond. Since no one had commented before, I planted three sprouted seeds in a rectangular bin about 14x19, with about six inches of soil. I added a piece of mosquito dunk instead of mosquito fish. If these grow, then I will sprout more seeds. Been sprinkling so there's droplets on the leaves.

Two leaves are about two inches wide.
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User
8 years ago
Eloise,

How are your lotus doing? I'm in the early stages now with my little lotus. Please update status of your lotus, and pics please. Need support.
eloise_ca
Original Author
8 years ago
butterfly, the lotus are coming along. Didn't take a picture because they pretty much look the same other than there are now 4 pads about 3 inches each. Thanks.
Nadia J
8 years ago
Hi guys, nice to see that some other people have started lotus seeds.I have 2 struggling seedlings, so am pretty disappointed. They were a lot of work! :P
eloise_ca
Original Author
8 years ago
Here's an update on my lotus. I've been getting algae because the tub is sitting out in full sun and it's been hot! I scooped out some algae and added algae control.

Don't give up Nadia. A couple of times in the past I've started lotus seeds only to have failed, but so far so good.
Nadia J
8 years ago
Thank you for the encouragement! They're not dead but don't look very promising....just gearing up the courage ( and energy ) to try again lol
Tammy Marine
7 years ago
I so want to do this. I'll be looking for the tubers in the spring. I have a tub that should work and the garden soil to give it 8 inches of soil. I'm excited. I understand the seeds mutate easily so a variety of colors are possible. Wouldn't it be great to come up with the ancient blue?
eloise_ca
Original Author
7 years ago
Tammy, wishing you great success when you get yours going. Mine didn't progress much past what the photo above looks like. I hope they do better in another year.
Tammy Marine
7 years ago
I'll have to read up on them. I don't know how long they live or even what kind of water they like besides still rather than moving.
eloise_ca
Original Author
7 years ago
I don't know much either, but my fairly new lotus, die back and then sprout again with the tubers getting bigger. Since they are in a tub without a pump, they survive in still water.
Tammy Marine
7 years ago
You started yours from seed right? So do you know what color you have?
eloise_ca
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes Tammy, I started from seeds, and have no clue what color(s) because I got the lotus pods from Hobby Lobby.

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