American Lotus Seeds

Sowing: Before planting, these seeds need to be scarified to permeate the hard seed coat and allow sprouting. With a metal file, remove the seed coat from the side of the seed until the pale yellow of the seed's center is barely exposed. Soak the seeds in water until they sprout, changing the water every day to prevent disease. Sprouting usually takes 2-4 weeks. Plant the sprouts in small peat pots just covered in water, keeping in mind that the emerging stem is actually a leaf and not the taproot. Increase the water's depth as the plants grow. Transplant outdoors carefully, since this plant resents having its roots disturbed. Growing: This plant grows well in either muddy, shallow water or in water as deep as six feet. Though rooted in the mud, its leaves and flowers float on the surface of the water. To prevent spreading or for easy relocating, this plant can be grown in large containers immersed in water at least 2 feet deep. Though a lovely and beneficial plant, it tends to spread in good growing conditions and is on the invasive plant lists of CT and RI. Harvesting: These short-lived blossoms do not make good cut flowers, and are best enjoyed in the wild. The unique dried seed receptacles, however, are extremely popular in dried flower arrangements. Seed Saving: After blooming, large seeds will form in the unique rounded seed receptacles. Collect the seeds as soon as they turn brown, and store them in the refrigerator until planting.