10 years later and I am watching this to start mine. They are germinated nicely. Just made a batch of clay soil in different sizes. I put a layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot , followed by clay pebbles and a finer clay powder. I used my clay soil to sift it all through and get different sizes. I will top it off with small pea gravel or river rocks. These are in individual black pots with holes on the bottom and they will sit in a small kiddie pool and filled with the right amount of water. I am trying to film most of this and should have it on my channel in a few weeks.
WOW! I knew it was somewhat easy, but now I will totally do this and save a TON of money. Thanks Bill! They are like $25 for a nice mature plant from the pond guy.
PlantzNThings Yah, the least they could do is give you a fancy presentation/fish bowl or something for that kind of money. I'd have guilt attacks but it's a different world today.
aquatic soil for plants are very expensive...! I just learned that you can just use top soil and mix with clay. You can fertilize ur lotus after they have leaves or during their blooming season.!! you can use clay litter for cat! (pure clay with no deodorant, and other stuff added) I bought in Walmart!!
Best to work on the blunt side and sand the end off with P60-80 sanding paper until you see a white ring.The blunt end is where the sprout would shoot. Mine didn't turn the water that mucky and actually all seeds had sprouted on day 2 pretty quickly. Didn't use heating mat for mine because its summer here. I also used pure water so there are no harsh minerals such as chlorine that may hurt the young seeds.
Its great to see how enthusiastic you are about plants :) Thanks for sharing. I have grown lotus from seeds too. I live in Trinidad (in the Caribbean) so its nice and hot here. My method is to rub the side of the seed on 80 grade sandpaper this has worked well for me. Don't know the exact name of my lotus but the flower is a double, quite large and its pink. Maybe I will make a video too soon.
you can clip the end of the seed with a toe nail clipper, i clip the side with a dimple. the toe nail clipper I user are the ones that are kinda shaped like scissors, and they are really sharp, heavy duty and work great.. i get mine from walgreens :)
i used a hand pruner. i felt the safest with that method. I put enough pressure to cut into the seed but not cut it in 1/2. soak the seed in water for 2 hrs before trying helps.
Jeffcarmen Manila I have been told many times to try kitty litter but haven't taken that leap yet. as for the pond tabs.. no I've not tried them.. not because I didn't want too, rather they are hard to find in my area.
I really enjoy your videos Ty... May I suggest using kitty liter from Walmart the non scented and non clumping works great with planting lotus and safe for koi ponds...
I have just started my own seedlings and they are very quick to grow they startet just about 5 days after i put them in water so soon i will plant them in they soil, i hope they turn out great :D
Actually the blunt side is the part you want to cut or file at since that is where the plant will send up its leaves. But in my experience usually doing it backwards works also since once you get water into the shell it becomes softer and eventually the seedling will break the shell. But usually you want to aim for the blunt side. :)
Do you follow up video’s from this one? I’d love to see all of these lotus videos after this one! I’m starting the soaking process today and need more instructions after planting them! Thanks!
I ordered seeds from Thailand years ago and had good success rate. I used a dremel tool and held the seed in pliers and sanded down until you start to see white then stopped.
I bought some pink lotus seed's a month ago, but I didn't try planting them yet. Your video will definitely help, so thanks. I'm going to try a metal file instead of a knife though. BTW sorry if I'm hard to understand, I live in Germany and English is my third language.
PlantzNThings Well I was born in Poland and I live in Germany so I had to learn those languages. But English is the only important language for me since it really opens up the world and gives me access to more information. I planted some Mimosa Pudica seeds yesterday, have you ever tried planting those? Love your videos and hope to see more of your Lotus plants.
The best way to scarify the Nelumbo nucifera seeds is with a coarse-grit sand paper. I usually grind both ends down until I can see the endosperm (the white inner part of the seed) and its always a good idea to wear gloves while scarifying the seeds, just in case of a slip-of-hand. Then you can soak the scarified seeds in some water until the leaf seed erupts!
PlantzNThings Yes, please do. My Blue Fairy Lotus seed I started (using this vid-clip) has put out a root and I need to know the end game on this. I used a diamond file on the non-pointed end. It was work but I found there is a little round "door" that popped out/off on that end (Hobbit door?) Inside was light brown and I thought it was dead, but the seed didn't float (you see: I knew that from watching), so, maybe it is just very old (I got it from Thailand; my baggie had funny leaves on it, too. I'm not asking any questions,) but the sprout looks very strong and healthy and it looks like it has every intention of growing. Really love your vid-clip; thanks for making it!!!! :D
That's Awesome! sounds like your seedling will be just fine :) They grow like weeds in warm water... so if you want speed.. add an aquarium heater to the water. Around 82F is what they really like :)
Hi there great video, may I suggest you to use a small Bonsai concave cutter (stainless steel they cost about $12 on ebay) to cut the tips of the seed and they are great tools to use around
Just wanted to throw this out there, in case it helps anyone. Lotus seeds are a mega pain to break into. Bonsai scissors are awesome to cut into them with. It was easy peasy. Just cut on the side that isn't flat, but bumps out somewhat.
those are really cool and I love the packaging haha. Now I am wondering if they would do well here in the desert as we get plenty hot, maybe too hot :)
good video, I'm growing the same just want to check what the water temp should be and that the seeds that u planted are completely underwater as I've got my leaves above water level? not sure.
on mine, I did try to remove part of the shell...but I recently discovered soaking the seed for a month sometimes softens the shell enough to gently peel the flatter end with you bare fingers
Hi bill, I decided to plant some seeds off my own and they are growing very well, but I have a couple of concens I hope you can help me clarify. First where do the flowers come from? I have seen a lot of leafs and no flower. And second. Some of the leafs are getting brown stains. Do yo happen to know why this happens?
The flower buds will come directly from the Rhizome. it can take a year before you get your first flowers when you start from seed. when did you plant your seeds? as for the brown on the leaves.. I'm not sure.. I'm still learning myself.
You know the itching is getting crazy ! I was out in the cold turning over the raised beds getting ready for Veggies lol! Would suck if you were planting Rabbit poop lol
sandpaper 60 grit ... no cutting sand it. Put your soil in a bucket and fill with water, and float everything out first by stirring , skim off the floaters then drain the water.
Hi bill, I live in canada too and I REALLY want to grow these. I'm going to try and buy some off of eBay but I was wondering... Where did the seeds you bought come from? Most of them on there are from china, and I don't want to end up paying duty when I go through customs. Recommendations?
sorry for the late reply. I can't remember where I bought these from.. I have bought seeds from all over the world and have had no problem having them come across the boarder nor have I had to pay duty (so far) I think it's a dollar value thing.
Hi i was watching your website regarding water lotous .I have all colours except the blue Nymphaea.If you can help metoget the blue lotous i will be so grateful thanks
+PlantzNThings How sensitive are they to being transplanted after they have been growing for a while? I started some seeds about a week ago and they've grown so fast that I have to get them planted but they will have to be transplanted again once it get warm outside.
Sorry, but I don't think those are blue lotus seeds! :( There is a blue lotus called the nymphaea caerulea, but their seeds are wayyyyy smaller, I actually hope i'm wrong, but I really don't think those are blue lotus seeds, sorry. :(
The blue lotus that you are talking about is actually a species of water lily.. same idea though :) I'm sure the "blue" one that I bought will actually be white and i'm ok with that :) I sort of knew that when I bought it.. but I thought " if I'm wrong this will be cool " :)
Instead of opening them all you have to do is sand off the pointer edge of the seed .i have grown 20 of them in the last 5 years .Lilies and lotus seed s can all be grown the same way .I put them in a wine glass in my kitchen window this way as the stems grow they have support from the tall wine glass.I also plant them after that into 100 % clay kitty litter
I actually used a nail file .1 of those metal ones .You can also use a rasp or metal file that they sell in the tool section .I gradually found easier ways .I used ones of those small hobby clamps to hold the seeds also .
plantznstuff can u help me with my bluelotus, I tried to grow then just like u said and they sprouted great in the water bowl, the got about 6 inches long then I pot them in a fish bowl with soil at the bottom then pea rock on top, once I put them in there they stop growing and start to turn colors.please helo
I know this is for water Lillie's,but Whenever I try to plant it after they germinate,they have been dieing afterwards .What can I be doing that is wrong?
There's no such thing as blue lotus. There's only blue water lily. Water lily and lotus are VERY OFTEN confused together. Often water lilies are advertised as water lotus.
I bought my seed starting heat mat from LeeValley.com it runs roughly 10 degrees above ambient temp. just perfect for plants.. It will not cook them :)
I planted some water lotus in my 2 acre pond, and my wife is driving me nuts acting like they're going to take over. I read somewhere that they can become a problem. anyone know at point it could be a problem?
10 years later and I am watching this to start mine.
They are germinated nicely. Just made a batch of clay soil in different sizes. I put a layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot , followed by clay pebbles and a finer clay powder.
I used my clay soil to sift it all through and get different sizes.
I will top it off with small pea gravel or river rocks.
These are in individual black pots with holes on the bottom and they will sit in a small kiddie pool and filled with the right amount of water.
I am trying to film most of this and should have it on my channel in a few weeks.
WOW! I knew it was somewhat easy, but now I will totally do this and save a TON of money. Thanks Bill! They are like $25 for a nice mature plant from the pond guy.
Yes they can get very pricey. In my area they are between 60-80 dollars each.. It's crazy because these plants are very easy to grow.
PlantzNThings
Yah, the least they could do is give you a fancy presentation/fish bowl or something for that kind of money. I'd have guilt attacks but it's a different world today.
25? more like 45-55 buck for a lotus plant here in pennsylvania
Why not grow them from a seed? It's not difficult to do and tons cheaper.
They are $100 now in Texas
aquatic soil for plants are very expensive...! I just learned that you can just use top soil and mix with clay. You can fertilize ur lotus after they have leaves or during their blooming season.!! you can use clay litter for cat! (pure clay with no deodorant, and other stuff added) I bought in Walmart!!
Ty for this info.. I waa completely stumped about the clay lol. First time with aquatic plants.
sometimes its fertile yet float but after the water fills up the seed it sprouts amazing thanks buddy for the video
Vasudev Bangera good to know, I was worried about that thx
I used a small belt sander. Just sanded off the pointed end had 100% germination! Thanks for the great video!
You should never disturb the pointy side of a lotus seed it's the embryo side
I tried nail clippers and it worked great!
Best to work on the blunt side and sand the end off with P60-80 sanding paper until you see a white ring.The blunt end is where the sprout would shoot. Mine didn't turn the water that mucky and actually all seeds had sprouted on day 2 pretty quickly. Didn't use heating mat for mine because its summer here. I also used pure water so there are no harsh minerals such as chlorine that may hurt the young seeds.
Its great to see how enthusiastic you are about plants :) Thanks for sharing. I have grown lotus from seeds too. I live in Trinidad (in the Caribbean) so its nice and hot here. My method is to rub the side of the seed on 80 grade sandpaper this has worked well for me. Don't know the exact name of my lotus but the flower is a double, quite large and its pink. Maybe I will make a video too soon.
you can clip the end of the seed with a toe nail clipper, i clip the side with a dimple. the toe nail clipper I user are the ones that are kinda shaped like scissors, and they are really sharp, heavy duty and work great.. i get mine from walgreens :)
Geek Out Hangout Very interesting. I would have never thought to try using nail clippers.
PlantzNThings Where's the Next Update Water Lotus from Seed , Give me a link
I did it and is easier.
i used a hand pruner. i felt the safest with that method. I put enough pressure to cut into the seed but not cut it in 1/2. soak the seed in water for 2 hrs before trying helps.
Great video!!!! I cant wait to start mine! I'm going to try and do a nice garden this summer I'll be watching all of your vidoes!!!!!!
ever think of using kitty litter? lots of clay based litters, 1/3 the cost of 'pond' soil, my lillies grow very well, also i do use pond tabs monthly
Jeffcarmen Manila I have been told many times to try kitty litter but haven't taken that leap yet. as for the pond tabs.. no I've not tried them.. not because I didn't want too, rather they are hard to find in my area.
2 minutes in and you're humour is fun
lol,i really enjoy watching your videos as comedies which can make me very happy,thank you
I really enjoy your videos Ty... May I suggest using kitty liter from Walmart the non scented and non clumping works great with planting lotus and safe for koi ponds...
That's a Great suggestion... I think i'll give that a try.
I have just started my own seedlings and they are very quick to grow they startet just about 5 days after i put them in water so soon i will plant them in they soil, i hope they turn out great :D
I just started mine today and used sand paper. Works very well and no risk of cutting anything off. ; - ))))))
Actually the blunt side is the part you want to cut or file at since that is where the plant will send up its leaves. But in my experience usually doing it backwards works also since once you get water into the shell it becomes softer and eventually the seedling will break the shell. But usually you want to aim for the blunt side. :)
I was going to say this. Thanks .
Very fun and interesting !! Looking forward to see how it grow and blooms..Thanks for sharing Bill :D
Do you follow up video’s from this one? I’d love to see all of these lotus videos after this one! I’m starting the soaking process today and need more instructions after planting them! Thanks!
I really appreciate you and your clear instruction.
Thank you😊
Mine are doing well, they have germinated and I am going to put them in the pond soon.
I ordered seeds from Thailand years ago and had good success rate. I used a dremel tool and held the seed in pliers and sanded down until you start to see white then stopped.
ooooo That's a great way :)
After watching a couple of the lotus vids, I got motivated to grow some. Now they are thriving! I made a short video of my lotus growth as well :)
I bought some pink lotus seed's a month ago, but I didn't try planting them yet. Your video will definitely help, so thanks. I'm going to try a metal file instead of a knife though. BTW sorry if I'm hard to understand, I live in Germany and English is my third language.
Good Luck with your seeds :) 3 languages... that's awesome... I think it's hard just speaking 1 sometimes :)
PlantzNThings Well I was born in Poland and I live in Germany so I had to learn those languages. But English is the only important language for me since it really opens up the world and gives me access to more information. I planted some Mimosa Pudica seeds yesterday, have you ever tried planting those? Love your videos and hope to see more of your Lotus plants.
Sagara Snyden Mimosa Pudica are fun plants to grow. I plant some from time to time during the summer. the leaves are fun to play with :)
Always a fun adventure - thanks for sharing ;) love your videos
The best way to scarify the Nelumbo nucifera seeds is with a coarse-grit sand paper. I usually grind both ends down until I can see the endosperm (the white inner part of the seed) and its always a good idea to wear gloves while scarifying the seeds, just in case of a slip-of-hand. Then you can soak the scarified seeds in some water until the leaf seed erupts!
Can't wait to start some lotus this season!! :p
I found it easier to soak them for an hour or so first and then make the cut, it softens up a bit.
Did you have any luck growing your seeds?
Nice video Bill! Thank you for sharing with us!
My Pleasure :) Thank you for watching :)
Sandpaper is much safer and works great.
It has been two weeks. Where is the next installment? I'm anxious to see how things are coming along and what comes next with the seedlings.
sorry, I've posted some update photos on my Plantznthings what's growing page on Facebook. I'll try and make a video this weekend.
PlantzNThings
Yes, please do. My Blue Fairy Lotus seed I started (using this vid-clip) has put out a root and I need to know the end game on this. I used a diamond file on the non-pointed end. It was work but I found there is a little round "door" that popped out/off on that end (Hobbit door?) Inside was light brown and I thought it was dead, but the seed didn't float (you see: I knew that from watching), so, maybe it is just very old (I got it from Thailand; my baggie had funny leaves on it, too. I'm not asking any questions,) but the sprout looks very strong and healthy and it looks like it has every intention of growing. Really love your vid-clip; thanks for making it!!!! :D
That's Awesome! sounds like your seedling will be just fine :) They grow like weeds in warm water... so if you want speed.. add an aquarium heater to the water. Around 82F is what they really like :)
PlantzNThings
82 degrees F... will do. And thanks, again!
Are you also growing some from seed?
I love your videos 👍
blue lotus is my favorite and very real
Enjoyed this :) very informative and made super easy :)
Cool video Bill
Hi there great video, may I suggest you to use a small Bonsai concave cutter (stainless steel they cost about $12 on ebay) to cut the tips of the seed and they are great tools to use around
Yes as others have also said You can sand them down a bit on the part that has the bump.
Would I be able to start these in say a fish tank? My temps in the tanks are anywhere between, 75F - 87F
Just wanted to throw this out there, in case it helps anyone. Lotus seeds are a mega pain to break into. Bonsai scissors are awesome to cut into them with. It was easy peasy. Just cut on the side that isn't flat, but bumps out somewhat.
+3AMArt DotNet Great suggestion! Thank you
those are really cool and I love the packaging haha. Now I am wondering if they would do well here in the desert as we get plenty hot, maybe too hot :)
I think they would be ok... they thrive in the heat... they grow in water so humidity shouldn't be an issue
zone 5 growing great
good video, I'm growing the same just want to check what the water temp should be and that the seeds that u planted are completely underwater as I've got my leaves above water level? not sure.
You sure those are lotus seeds? The little baggie states otherwise.
Lol
I got some seeds from the same company haha. they're coming out great! (by the way pot seeds are smaller)
Great video! Oh I wondering if you not finish the seeds what you do with them? or can you share with me?
Watching this video after 10 years 😮
Same!! 🤣
on mine, I did try to remove part of the shell...but I recently discovered soaking the seed for a month sometimes softens the shell enough to gently peel the flatter end with you bare fingers
It’s much easier to start them in a terracotta pot with plugged bottom with mud and gravel on top, and slowly fill the bucket
Are used an electric violin little while on my mind to do them and they were really easy that way
I'm itching! we got more snow tho.... hopefully it will stop :)
What I did was I sanded the seed coat with sandpaper in one place until the inner bit showed through and then put them in a cup of water for a week.
easier and safer way to open the seeds is a grinder to smooth the edges down until a tiny amount of white is showing.
+Brian Crenshaw That would be easier. :)
So much easier I did 40 in 10-15 minutes.
I used my belt sander. Just till some white begins to show. Then soak in warm water . Now there are stems with small leaves, I must plant them now.
Great video by the way! :))
Use pliers to hold the seed then grate or sand it gently, just enough to crack the shell with out damaging the seed.
Do they need light for growth or can they grow by water and soil alone?
Sorry, I can't find the video that shows their growth. Can someone help me find that video if it exists?
Hi bill, I decided to plant some seeds off my own and they are growing very well, but I have a couple of concens I hope you can help me clarify. First where do the flowers come from? I have seen a lot of leafs and no flower. And second. Some of the leafs are getting brown stains. Do yo happen to know why this happens?
The flower buds will come directly from the Rhizome. it can take a year before you get your first flowers when you start from seed. when did you plant your seeds? as for the brown on the leaves.. I'm not sure.. I'm still learning myself.
You know the itching is getting crazy ! I was out in the cold turning over the raised beds getting ready for Veggies lol! Would suck if you were planting Rabbit poop lol
I was also out yesterday looking around to see if there are any signs of life. wishful thinking I guess :( we are getting buried with snow again :(
I know friggin winter will not let go ! Ehh well ill just sit inside and think of the warmer days
indeed :) That's what our grow rooms are for :)
even though nothing beats beig outside watching the garden groan with growth
What kind of light would they need when brought indoors?
Im thinking a large vessle and a fish tank filter would keep them nicely.
sandpaper 60 grit ... no cutting sand it.
Put your soil in a bucket and fill with water, and float everything out first by stirring , skim off the floaters then drain the water.
Hi bill, I live in canada too and I REALLY want to grow these. I'm going to try and buy some off of eBay but I was wondering... Where did the seeds you bought come from? Most of them on there are from china, and I don't want to end up paying duty when I go through customs. Recommendations?
sorry for the late reply. I can't remember where I bought these from.. I have bought seeds from all over the world and have had no problem having them come across the boarder nor have I had to pay duty (so far) I think it's a dollar value thing.
Hi i was watching your website regarding water lotous .I have all colours except the blue Nymphaea.If you can help metoget the blue lotous i will be so grateful thanks
Pliers work great for cracking them open.
Bill, did you know we chinese use lotus seeds for everyday soups and dishes?
I read somewhere that the whole Plant is edible?
Sagara Snyden Never heard of that...
Did you ever move these out of the buckets and into different pots?
+Thomas Lakutis I didn't... i ended up tossing them because i was running out of space.
+PlantzNThings How sensitive are they to being transplanted after they have been growing for a while?
I started some seeds about a week ago and they've grown so fast that I have to get them planted but they will have to be transplanted again once it get warm outside.
Hi. I have a set of seeds fresh from their pod ad how should i prepare them if i want to plant them ? Thanks
Can I have the name 2 types of sand you mixed in the pot. I am growing them too but don’t know what sand will be good.
So u can grow few plants in one bucket?
i used sand paper and it worked well, took like 30 secs per seed tho.
cool!
Sorry, but I don't think those are blue lotus seeds! :( There is a blue lotus called the nymphaea caerulea, but their seeds are wayyyyy smaller, I actually hope i'm wrong, but I really don't think those are blue lotus seeds, sorry. :(
The blue lotus that you are talking about is actually a species of water lily.. same idea though :) I'm sure the "blue" one that I bought will actually be white and i'm ok with that :) I sort of knew that when I bought it.. but I thought " if I'm wrong this will be cool " :)
really nice video ,
Thank for watching :)
You can use a sander to take it down to just where you see white
Nut cracker!
Instead of opening them all you have to do is sand off the pointer edge of the seed .i have grown 20 of them in the last 5 years .Lilies and lotus seed s can all be grown the same way .I put them in a wine glass in my kitchen window this way as the stems grow they have support from the tall wine glass.I also plant them after that into 100 % clay kitty litter
i have tried using sand paper... but i think i sand more skin off my fingers than i do the seed..lol
I actually used a nail file .1 of those metal ones .You can also use a rasp or metal file that they sell in the tool section .I gradually found easier ways .I used ones of those small hobby clamps to hold the seeds also .
A clamp would help a lot..lol
PlantzNThings thank you so much for your video! how long before there is an actual lotus root, the long white roots that you can cook?
plantznstuff can u help me with my bluelotus, I tried to grow then just like u said and they sprouted great in the water bowl, the got about 6 inches long then I pot them in a fish bowl with soil at the bottom then pea rock on top, once I put them in there they stop growing and start to turn colors.please helo
Hello,I tried to poke a hole in my seeds and the whole entire shell came off,will they still grow?
the flower that creats the lotus seed pod
Are you using rain water?
Do you put them in direct sun light after planting. thanks
Someone shipped you seeds in a weed baggie? Strange.
Musta been Snowbabysmile. She ships all her seeds in those distinctive baggies.
West Winds Yep, that's who I bought mine from :P
Very strange.
You can use a bench grinder
I wonder if a small amount of peroxide would helpin not having to change the water as often? Maby do an experiment on one of them?
ooo good idea
so you dont need hydroponic to grow lotus? and what kinda soil mix did you use?
dakito fey the lotus needs to grow in water. lotus like a heavy clay soil
also can u make a video one cutting lucky bamboo to make two plants
Use an emory board to file through the Shell gonna lose a finger lol
It's nelumbo nucifera I am growing, are they real lotuses? The pink ones.
clairemcheskin yes
Just a FYI you know what I found to work really well to open the seeds? Doggy toenail clippers the round kind just clip that tip right off :)
Hmmm, That's a Good Idea... I might have to buy one and give it a try... Thanks :)
I know this is for water Lillie's,but Whenever I try to plant it after they germinate,they have been dieing afterwards .What can I be doing that is wrong?
can I see the updates on the flower? Are they still alive??
I got them
There's no such thing as blue lotus. There's only blue water lily. Water lily and lotus are VERY OFTEN confused together. Often water lilies are advertised as water lotus.
Mark Schultz don't tell Google search....
Nice Weed baggies
HAHA...Indeed..lol
What kind of heating pad are you using, where did you get it and what does it run?
Thanks, :)
I bought my seed starting heat mat from LeeValley.com it runs roughly 10 degrees above ambient temp. just perfect for plants.. It will not cook them :)
PlantzNThings
Thank you for this information. I don't like FB and rarely go there. I'm a RUclips person. :)
I read to open the dimple end and housing like sand paper remove some of that dimple end then proçede.
Is it safe to use normal garden soil or like miracle grow? And then put clay on top of it?
Cyril Sauveur sure you can... try not using a peat based soil because it floats...
PlantzNThings awesome! Thank you so much. ^^
Cyril Sauveur Do not use miracle grow, you don't want any soil that has plant food or water retention gel in it. You start feeding them the 2nd year.
Every part of the water lotus plant is edible.
I planted some water lotus in my 2 acre pond, and my wife is driving me nuts acting like they're going to take over. I read somewhere that they can become a problem. anyone know at point it could be a problem?
which side i shuld cut out the seeds