LOTUS - Nelumbo nucifera

An aquatic perennial native to southern Asia and Australia. A 1,288 year old seed of this species collected from an ancient lake bed in China is the oldest terminable seed on record. This species is intimately linked with the Buddhist religion, symbolising vitality and purity.

Along with its ornamental value, this plant is cultivated for food and traditional Chinese medicine. Virtually all parts of the plant can be eaten.

Easily grown from seed.

Grow notes:

To grow Nelumbo nucifera Sacred Lotus abrade one side of the seed with sandpaper or rub on a concrete surface until there is a small amount of white colour showing and place the seed in water. This allows the seed to take up moisture to start germination.

The Sacred Lotus seed should swell over the next day or two and sprout within a week, growing quickly for the next couple of weeks.

Sow in pots 2-3 cm deep and place in water. Raise water level as plants grow.

There are enough nutrients in the Nelumbo nucifera seed to support the plant for 30 days, but it should be planted as soon as practical. Plant in a pot with plenty of room for root growth below and around the seed (at least 100 cm) and place in water with the top of the pot between 30-40 cm below the surface of the water. The leaves will quickly grow upwards in search of the surface and the plant should bloom in the second growing season.