How much does a lotus seedling cost? Plus lotus seed planting methods
In summer ponds, there is a large patch of beautiful flowers, and that is the most common lotus. It looks extremely beautiful and gives people a fresh and elegant feeling, so many people like it very much. So how much does a lotus seedling cost on the market now? How exactly should its seeds be planted? Let's take a look below.
How much does a lotus seedling cost on the market
A lotus seedling is the lotus tuber, not the seed. The ordinary price is around 3.5 yuan, while premium ones cost more than five yuan, more than ten yuan, or even dozens to hundreds of yuan per plant. Overall, it depends on the rarity of the lotus, and the price should be evaluated from multiple aspects such as color, petal shape, characteristics and survival rate.
How to plant lotus seeds
First, take selected good-quality lotus seeds with the seed coat still on, use a sharp knife to cut off 2-3 mm of the seed coat at the top so that water can soak in, place them in water and soak for 2-3 days. After the seeds absorb water and swell, sow them in a pot (the potting soil treatment is the same as for the division method), then immerse the pot in a large vat, keeping the water 3-4 cm deep above the soil surface. At a temperature of 25-30 degrees, after 8-10 days, fine sprouts will emerge, and leaves will gradually grow afterward. By the second year, they can bloom.
Lotus propagation methods
1. Seed propagation: In fact, seed propagation is the most commonly used method for growing lotus at home. The specific method is relatively simple. Just soak the opened seeds in water, change the water frequently, and they will sprout in about a week. After rooting in two weeks, they can be transplanted. When transplanting, note that the water layer should be shallow and the lotus leaves should be exposed. With a little care, they can bloom in the same year.
2. Lotus tuber division propagation: The prerequisite for lotus tuber division propagation is that you have a mature lotus. Mid-March to mid-April is the best period for dividing lotus tubers. The temperature at this time is suitable, and the seed tubers will not be frostbitten due to low temperatures.
How to help lotus overwinter
1. The South
Winter temperatures in the South are higher than in the North and can meet the growth needs of lotus, so it can overwinter safely outdoors. Normal winter care is all that is needed.
2. The North
Lotus generally begins to decline in September, with leaves turning yellow and withering, leaving only the underground parts. But winter temperatures in the North are low, and potted lotus grown outdoors is prone to frost damage. Therefore, after the lotus withers in September, the dead leaves should be cut off immediately and the plants stored artificially. There are generally three ways:
1. Indoor storage
Lotus grown at home is rarely kept indoors, but if the indoor temperature can be kept between 0~10°C in winter, it can be kept indoors (the editor thinks there may be some problems with this, as winter household temperatures are generally around 20°C). If you live in an apartment building, just move the lotus to the corridor windowsill. As long as the temperature is kept above 3°C, it can overwinter safely.
2. Water pool storage
Water pool storage is generally not suitable for households, and is used more in parks or nursery bases. Around the “National Day”, put the trimmed potted lotus directly into a water pool, with the water covering the flower pot. In winter, the underwater temperature can be kept at 0~8°C. Water should be added frequently to maintain the water temperature. When the winter temperature is too low, the surface of the pool will freeze, and the lotus can overwinter below the ice layer.
3. Cold cellar storage
Households with the conditions can put the lotus directly into a cold cellar for storage. Generally from late October to early November, put the treated lotus into a cold cellar. The cold cellar temperature should be kept between 0°C and 8°C. In addition, keep the potting soil moist, and it can overwinter safely.
So the methods for helping lotus overwinter in the South and the North are different. The temperature in the South is relatively higher, so no special technique is needed to help it overwinter, while the North needs to adopt some measures, such as indoor, water pool, or cold cellar storage. But no matter what method is used, it is all to help it overwinter safely and see beautiful lotus flowers the next year.