Lotus Seed Prices and Planting Methods Explained in Detail
The lotus has always been a very popular flowering plant, not only graceful in form but also brilliant in flower color. Because of its noble character of "being hollow inside and straight outside, neither spreading nor branching, emerging from the mud unstained, rinsed in clear water without being coquettish," it has long been one of the subjects celebrated and painted by poets and scholars through the ages. Below, let us take a look at lotus seed prices and planting methods together!
How much is a jin of lotus seeds?
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 and June, rub the indented end of the seed on 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, and roots form after two weeks for transplanting. Usually about 90% can bloom in the same year, but the amount of bloom that year is not large.
Sowing Methods for Lotus
1. Seed selection: When propagating lotus from seed, choose plump, dark black, dry seeds without mold, and they must be fully mature.
2. Seed treatment: Rub off the end of the lotus seed that does not have a protruding point, or cut it off with scissors, just until the inner seed coat is slightly exposed.
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: Lotus seedlings can be transplanted when they grow 3 to 4 floating leaves. Plant one seedling per pot, transplanting as you go.
Lotus Planting Methods
1. Container: For potted lotus, choose a flower pot (or vat) with a diameter of 30 to 60 cm and a height of no more than 50 cm, requiring good water retention and durability. For courtyard planting, high-grade ceramic pots can be used, and for large-scale commercial production of potted lotus.
2. Soil: Lotus requires fertile soil rich in humus. The soil used is usually lake or pond mud, but it can also be made by mixing 4 parts garden soil, 3 parts loess, and 3 parts sandy soil. 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, and after winter begins, the soil in the pot should also remain moist to prevent the seed lotus from drying out from lack of water.
4. Light: Lotus loves light. Receiving 7 to 8 hours of light per day can give it more flower buds and continuous blooming. Avoid cultivating it in shady places. Household potted lotus must be placed on a balcony or in a courtyard, and at noon it should be moved to a shady place to avoid the harsh 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 base fertilizer according to the size of the pot. One month after planting, apply once a liquid fertilizer mainly made of 10% decomposed soybean cake water or human manure and urine. After the standing leaves emerge, apply additional fertilizer 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 lotus, add water 1 to 2 times daily. The water should be roughly the same temperature as the water in the vat or pot, and the water quality should be kept clean. In late autumn and early winter, it enters dormancy, 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, in addition to burying it below the frozen soil layer, agricultural film must also be used as cover. The soil in the pot should remain moist throughout the winter.
9. Pests and diseases: Common lotus pests include aphids appearing on floating leaves or small standing leaves, and cotton leafworms occurring in July and 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.