How to plant water lilies

1. Sowing time

Lotus seeds have no dormant period, so they can be sown all year round, but the water temperature must be kept above 16°C. Moderate temperature and suitable light conditions are conducive to its growth. It usually takes 50-60 days in spring and 60-80 days in winter and autumn to bloom after sowing.

2. Sowing Method

1. Seed treatment: The shell of lotus seeds is hard, so they must be broken before sowing. You can break them by rubbing them on rough cement ground or using pliers. Be careful not to damage the seed blank and do not shell it.

2. Germination: In summer, keep the water temperature at 20-30℃. Use a bowl or basin to completely immerse the seeds in water and change the water twice a day. It will germinate within 7 days. After germination, keep ventilation, sufficient light, and no lack of water, and fine roots and small lotus leaves will grow after 2 weeks.

3. Planting the seedlings: Choose a pot with no holes or a plastic flowerpot, add half a pot of garden soil into the pot, do not apply fertilizer, and directly press the thin roots of the lotus seedlings into the soil. Pay attention to watering in moderation, and the water cannot submerge the lotus leaves.

3. Daily maintenance

1. Watering: 2-3 weeks after transplanting, it enters the peak growth period. At this time, you need to water it frequently, especially making sure the basin does not leave water in summer. During the rainy season, rainfall is concentrated, so be careful not to let the water level exceed the standing leaves and drain water in time.

2. Fertilization: Lotus likes fertilizer, but not too much, otherwise it will burn the seedlings. In summer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be the main fertilizers, and an appropriate amount of cake fertilizer or compound fertilizer can also be used. After summer, fertilizer can be applied every 15-20 days.