I grew water lotus for the first time this year and I have a few seed heads. I would like to collect the seeds and am looking for some suggestions. Should I let the seed heads dry completely before collecting any of the seeds? Some of the seeds are loose in their pockets but not all, so should I lift the ones that are loose out and leave the rest? Any info would be great. Holly
Hi Holly,
I'm sorry you did not receive an answer, I just now found your post.
We allow the pods to dry on the stalks as much as possible, then cut
them off with a good length of stem and just put them into a vase. If the
seeds fall out on their own, they are likely ready to harvest, but don't sand
them open right away. We always allow the seeds to thoroughly dry before
scarifying them.
Hope this helps, and congrats on getting Lotus seeds.
KM
Wuvie,Thank you for responding. I did collect the heads they were pretty dry when I brought them in and have collected the seeds. Lost only a few seeds that fell out before I collected them. I guess we will see how I do starting the seeds. Hopefully I will have more of these beautiful flowers next year.
Hi, what Lotus do you have? I'm starting them this year. I have 4 right now that I got back in the spring. Mrs Perry D. Slocum, First Lady, Chawsan basu, and the last one blooms red but can't remember the name. I can't wait for them to bloom this summer. Yours is beautiful. Mekos
Even the seeds are beautiful!!
Dry the seed pods and use them in flower arrangements.
Mekos, Sorry took me so long to answer. The seeds I have are from Mrs Perry D. Slocum. I was so busy this spring that I can't remember if I ever did try to start them. I remember looking at them, thinking about it and doing a bit of reading on the subject. But can't for the life of me remember if I actually did start them. I do know that if I did try they didn't take, as I don't have any growing. I still have a couple of pots and things on my starting tables that didn't germinate and they could be there or still in the envelopes. Thanks for the reminder I will have to check it out. Hopefully I will have another chance at seeds this summer as my water lotus has overwintered and is growing very nicely.
The research I did on lotus says they can wait for years to grow and the seed still be good. Look it up and read before you toss anything out. But I found some seeds and just got d-mail. They are sending me red, yellow and a pink ones seeds. We're going to work out a tuber swap later this fall or early spring. BUT thank you anyway. I appreciate it.
Yes, I did see that in my reading so when I find them I may try to get them started and I also know about nicking the seeds. I'll watch for the tuber swap maybe I could participate.
