Water Lotus Plant: How to start Lotus from seed

I have always enjoyed growing the unusual. I try while doing this not to bring in invasive plants to my area so will research a plant first to see if there is a problem growing the plant in my zone 5 growing zone. One plant that had always caught my attention was the Water Lotus Plant.
photo credit: ptwo

The Water Lotus Plant has an exotic look to it that I find appealing. I also liked the dried seedpod that is produces at the end of a season

My zone is moderate in success for this plant. It likes a climate that is a little warmer, but it will grow here with a little care. My plan was to grow this water plant in my one pond, in a double pot, then bring it in during the winter. There’s a possibility that it would survive in the right micro garden here but why take the risk?

My one friend had seeds and I thought that I should try to grow this beautiful plant. My friend sent me seeds and I started them indoors in late March.

Lotus seeds have a thick seed covering so they needed to be scarified. To scarify a seed cover you gently saw or sand the seed until you see the inside living part of the seed. I sanded my seeds for better control of removing the cover and then soaked the seeds for a few days. When I saw signs of it germinating I potted the seedlings into pots with regular garden dirt, which is high in clay in my area, and covered with a few inches of water.

Much to my amazement the seeds did well and in the spring I replanted them outdoors in double pots so that they could be brought in for the winter months. I still have one plant; I gave the other ones away. They are fun to grow and add to a water garden area.

I would like to add another one to my backyard oasis I am planning this summer. It’s time for a total backyard overhaul.And what better way to add to your yard than with fun plants that have a tropical look and feel.
photo credit: milena mihaylova