Blue lotus is not only a herb, it's also a beautiful water lily you can grow yourself. With some patience you can germinate the seeds of Nymphaea caerulea in water. In this blog you'll read step by step how to grow blue lotus, from seed to plant. You'll find blue lotus seeds in our relaxing products.
What do you need?
- Blue lotus seeds (Nymphaea caerulea)
- A glass bowl or jar with lukewarm water
- A warm spot, around 25 to 30 degrees
- Later: a pot with clay or muddy soil and a larger water container or pond
Step 1: scarify the seeds
Lotus seeds have a hard seed coat. To make them germinate, carefully sand a small part of the outside with fine sandpaper or a nail file, until you just see the lighter inside. Be careful not to go too deep, don't touch the core.
Step 2: soak in water
Put the scarified seeds in a glass bowl with lukewarm water in a warm spot. Refresh the water every day so it stays clear. After a few days to a week you'll see the first seeds burst open and form a green sprout.
Step 3: roots and leaves
Leave the seeds in the water until roots and small leaves appear. Keep the temperature warm and the water clean. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Step 4: transplanting
Once the seedlings have a few leaves, carefully plant them in a pot with clay or muddy soil under water. Put the pot in a larger water container or pond, so the leaves can float on the water surface. Blue lotus needs plenty of light and warmth.
Care
- Keep the water warm, blue lotus is a tropical plant and doesn't like cold.
- Give plenty of light, a sunny spot or grow light helps.
- Be patient, it takes a while before a lotus matures and blooms.
From plant to herb
If you grow it for its ornamental value or out of interest, you'll enjoy the blue flowers. If you'd rather use the dried flowers straight away, you can also get ready-made blue lotus flowers or a tincture. Find more in our relaxing products.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for lotus seeds to germinate?
Usually a few days to a week after scarifying and soaking, provided the water is warm enough.
Do I really have to scarify lotus seeds?
Yes. Otherwise the hard seed coat lets no water through and the seed won't germinate, or only very slowly.
Can blue lotus grow outdoors?
In summer it can in a warm pond, but it's a tropical plant that doesn't tolerate frost. Indoors or in a greenhouse is easier.
Where do I buy blue lotus seeds?
At our blue lotus seeds in the seeds and growing category.
