Latest Lotus Seed Prices and a Detailed Guide to Planting Methods
Lotus has long been a very popular flowering plant, not only beautiful in form but also brilliant in flower color. Because of its noble character of “hollow and straight inside, neither spreading nor branching, emerging unstained from the mud, and unflirtatious when rinsed in clear water,” it has always been one of the subjects sung and painted by poets and scholars through the ages. Now let us take a look at lotus seed prices and planting methods together!
How much does a jin of lotus seeds cost?
The price of lotus seeds is about 20 to 30 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin, market, and other factors. Before growing lotus from seed, the shell must first be broken. In May to June, rub the sunken end of the seed against cement ground or a rough stone until it breaks, then soak the seed to raise seedlings, keeping the water clear and changing it frequently. Sprouting occurs in about one week, and roots form after two weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted. Usually about 90% can bloom in the same year, but the number of flowers that year is not great.
Sowing methods for lotus
1. Seed selection: When propagating lotus by seed, choose plump, dark black, dry seeds free of mildew, and they must be fully mature.
2. Seed treatment: Rub the end of the lotus seed without the protruding point until it breaks, or cut it off with scissors, just enough to slightly expose the seed coat inside.
3. Seed germination: After treatment, soak the lotus seeds in warm water to germinate, keeping the water temperature at 10 to 15 degrees, with full sunlight.
4. Seedling transplanting: When lotus seedlings grow to 3 to 4 floating leaves, they can be transplanted. Plant one seedling per pot, transplanting as you go.
Planting methods for lotus
1. Container: For potted lotus, choose a flower pot (or vat) with a diameter of 30 to 60 cm and a height not exceeding 50 cm, requiring good water retention and durability. For courtyard planting, high-grade ceramic pots can be used. For large-scale commercial production of potted lotus.
2. Soil: Lotus requires fertile soil rich in humus. The soil used is usually pond mud, but you can also mix 4 parts garden soil, 3 parts loess, and 3 parts sandy soil thoroughly for use. Never use chemically polluted mud or sewage sludge.
3. Water quality: Lotus cannot do without water at any time during its growing period. In the early growth stage, the water layer should be controlled at about 3 cm. Tap water is best left in the sun for one or two days before use. In summer, the pot must never lack water. After winter begins, the pot soil should also remain moist to prevent the seed lotus from drying out and withering due to lack of water.
4. Light: Lotus loves light. Receiving 7 to 8 hours of light each day can give it more flower buds and continuous blooming. Do not cultivate it in shady places. Household potted lotus must be placed on a balcony or in a courtyard, and at midday it should be moved to a cool place to avoid the scorching sun.
5. Temperature: Lotus has strict temperature requirements. Generally, it begins to sprout at 8 to 10°C, the lotus rhizome begins to elongate at 14°C, and 25 to 30°C is the most suitable temperature for growth and development. Weather with alternating rain and sunshine is especially favorable for growth.
6. Fertilizing: When planting lotus, apply 200 to 500 grams of chicken manure as a base fertilizer according to the size of the pot. One month after planting, apply once a liquid fertilizer based mainly on 10% decomposed soybean cake water or human waste. After the standing leaves emerge, apply top dressing 1 to 2 times. During the flowering period, apply superphosphate once every 7 days.
7. Moisture: For lotus grown in vats, add water once every 1 to 2 days in summer. For potted plants, add water 1 to 2 times daily. The water should be roughly the same temperature as that in the vat or pot, and the water quality should be kept clean. In late autumn and early winter, it enters the dormant period, so it is not necessary to add water frequently; keeping shallow water is enough.
8. Overwintering: After winter begins, lotus can be placed indoors or buried below the frozen soil layer. In areas north of the Yellow River, besides burying it below the frozen soil layer, agricultural film must also be used as cover, and the pot soil should remain moist throughout the winter.
9. Pests and diseases: Common lotus pests include aphids appearing on floating leaves or small standing leaves, and the tobacco cutworm, which occurs in July to August. They can be sprayed with a 1500 to 2000 times dilution of 50% dimethoate emulsion or a 500 times dilution of 2.5% derris extract.