Where to buy lotus seeds? A complete guide to purchasing channels
The lotus is a perennial aquatic herbaceous flower of the genus Nelumbo in the family Nelumbonaceae, native to the tropical and temperate regions of Asia. In our country, records of its cultivation date back as early as the Zhou Dynasty. Every part of it is a treasure: the rhizome and lotus seeds are edible, and the seeds, rhizomes, rhizome nodes, leaves, flowers and seed embryos can all be used as medicine, giving it extremely high cultivation value. Let us take a look below at where to buy lotus seeds!
Where to buy lotus seeds?
Lotus seeds can be bought at flower-and-bird markets or online. Although lotus seeds have a very long lifespan, with seeds several hundred or even a thousand years old still able to germinate, when selecting seeds you should choose mature and plump ones for propagation. Moreover, the lotus has an extremely strong ability to adapt to its growing environment: it can not only display its red blooms and swaying green leaves in large and small lakes and ponds, but even in a very small pot or bowl it can still cut a graceful figure and adorn the world.
How much do lotus seeds cost per jin?
The price of lotus seeds is about 20 to 30 yuan per jin, but prices vary considerably depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin and the market. Before propagating 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 a week, roots form after two weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted. Usually about 90% will flower in the same year, but the number of flowers in that year is not large.
Sowing methods for lotus seeds
1. Seed selection: When propagating lotus from 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 seed in warm water to germinate, keeping the water temperature between 10 and 15 degrees and giving it plenty of sunlight.
4. Transplanting the seedlings: When the lotus seedlings grow to 3 to 4 floating leaves, they can be transplanted, planting one seedling per pot, transplanting as you go.
5. Planting management: The lotus is very sensitive to water loss. It likes light, likes fertilizer, likes moisture, and does not tolerate shade, so management should be strengthened when planting.