Re: Lotus from Seed Help

>Subject: Loutus from Seed Help
Fellow Listees,
One can remove the seeds from the seedheads of lotus that florist sell. The
seeds can then be nicked with a file or grinding tool until the white just
shows through the thick outside layer. The seed can be incubated at 75 F
(24 C). This can be accomplished in a tub with a 10 gallon aquarium heater.
If placed in a smaller container be sure to change the water frequently or
it will foul. The seed will sprout in about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 weeks. The seeds
can them be planted in sand or commercial watergardening medium. Regular
gardening mixtures and perlite and vermiculite will muck the water and
float to the surface. Walter Pagel on the International Water Gardening
Society List sent me this:

1)The seeds you had were possibly Nelumbo lutea.  In the 1994 issue of The
American Midland Naturalist, (31; 744-758)  is the 15 page article: THE
BIOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN LOTUS.  Here we find the passage:  "The young plant
which develops from the seed exhibits four small peltate leaves, a rhizome,
and rootlets at the nodes.  The second internode of the rhizome increases
in diameter and forms a tuber.  Shortly thereafter, the young leaves
succumb.  If the underground parts were not examined, one would be apt to
think the plants were dying.  This striking behavior is a perfectly normal
condition.  Within three weeks after the temporary arrest in development,
new tissue develops from the tuber and its enlargement is very rapid, the
rhizome extending through the soil, and leaves and roots appearing at the
nodes."

2)In the natural habitat of Nelumbo lutea, the water depth varies from two
to four feet.  The first seedling leaves are normally floating.  Try water
deeper than three inches.

3)Seedlings will grow well at 70 F.  This saves heating bills.

4)Use a round pot, otherwise the rhizome may kill itself after running into
a corner.

5)Use a Big Pot once the plant gets a good start.  When not hindered, the
rhizome (more aptly called a runner) can reach 20 feet in length, with a
side shoot at every node.

I hope this is helpful. Dirk in Southern Illinois


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