Blue Lotus Seeds (Nymphaea caerulea)
The Blue Lotus, botanically Nymphaea caerulea, is a water lily native to the Nile and other freshwater areas in Africa. The plant is known for its bright blue to purplish-blue flowers, which open during the day and float on the water. In ancient Egypt the flower was depicted on temple walls and used in ceremonial contexts; today the plant is mainly grown as an ornamental for ponds and water tubs. This pack contains 20 seeds to grow the plant yourself.
Sowing and Growing
Soak the seeds for 24 to 48 hours in lukewarm water before planting to improve germination. Sow the seeds in a small pot with clayey, nutrient-rich soil and submerge it in water, so the seeds sit a few centimetres below the surface. Keep the water temperature around 20-30°C: with enough warmth, the seeds usually germinate within a few days to a couple of weeks. Refresh part of the water every few days to keep it fresh and limit algae growth. Once the seedlings form floating leaves, you can move them to a larger tub, pond or aquarium with at least a few hours of direct sunlight a day.
Storage
Store unused seeds dry and dark at room temperature, for example in the original packaging. This keeps the seeds viable for longest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Blue Lotus survive winter outdoors in the Netherlands?
Nymphaea caerulea is a tropical water plant and cannot tolerate frost. In an unheated outdoor pond it will usually not survive a Dutch winter, so grow it in a heated tub, aquarium or greenhouse instead, or bring the tuber indoors in autumn.
How long does it take for the seeds to germinate?
With enough warmth (20-30°C), most seeds germinate within a few days to about three weeks. If nothing has sprouted after a month, refresh the water and check that the temperature is consistent enough.
Browse more water plants and exotic seeds in our seeds category.
