Detailed Guide to Lotus Planting Methods, Best Timing and Water Depth Requirements

In ancient times, Zhou Dunyi's "On the Love of the Lotus" described the lotus as “emerging from muddy silt yet remaining unstained, and rinsed in clear water yet not seductive”, firmly establishing the lotus's position in the literary world. Today, as a plant cultivated in China since the Zhou Dynasty, the lotus still has many growers. So what are the lotus planting methods? When is the best time to plant? Water depth requirements: what are they?

I. Lotus Planting Methods

1. Water quality

The lotus is an aquatic plant, and no matter which growth stage it is in, its water demand is very high. In the early growth stage, the water layer should be kept at about 3cm; water that is too deep is not conducive to raising the soil temperature. If using tap water, it is best to store it in a separate tank and let it sit in the sun for one or two days before use. Summer is the peak growth period for the lotus, and the pot must never be short of water. After winter begins, the pot soil should also be kept moist to prevent the seed lotus root from drying out due to lack of water.

2. Fertilizing

The lotus's fertilizer should be mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, supplemented by nitrogen fertilizer. If the soil is relatively fertile, then no fertilizing may be needed for the whole year. Decomposed cake fertilizer and chicken, duck and goose manure are the most ideal fertilizers. In a small pot, just half a liang is enough; in a large pot, at most only 1-2 liang can be applied. Excessive application easily causes fertilizer damage, so be careful not to over-apply, and the fertilizer must be thoroughly mixed with the soil to help the lotus roots absorb it. In summer, if leaves are found curling and turning yellow, 0.5 grams of urea can be mixed into the mud, and after mixing evenly, kneaded into mud balls weighing 10 grams and applied into the mud in the center of the pot; results will be seen in 7 days.

3. Overwintering

After winter begins, simply place the pot indoors or bury it below the frozen soil layer. In areas north of the Yellow River, in addition to burying it below the frozen soil layer, it should also be covered with agricultural film, and the pot soil should be kept moist throughout the winter.

II. When Is the Best Time to Plant Lotus

1. Growing seedlings from seeds

If you choose to plant lotus by growing seedlings from seeds, then in May-June you should file open the recessed end of the seed, then soak the seed to grow seedlings. The water quality should be kept clear; once the water becomes cloudy, change it. About 7 days after sowing, it will sprout, and after two weeks it can take root and be transplanted. When transplanting, ensure one plant per pot, and the water layer should be shallow; do not submerge the lotus leaves in the water. About 90% can bloom in the same year, but not many will bloom that year.

2. Planting by dividing lotus roots

If the lotus is planted by dividing lotus roots, then choosing the period from mid-March to mid-April is the best time to plant. Planting too early may bring cold air invasions and make it prone to frost damage; in northern areas, transparent agricultural film can be used for cover when cold waves occur.

Before planting, the pot mud should be mixed into a paste. When planting, insert the top end of the seed lotus root diagonally into the mud along the pot edge at 20 degrees. For bowl lotus, the depth is about 5 cm; for large lotus, the depth is about 10 cm, with the head low and the tail high, and the tail half tilted up so that water does not enter the lotus root tail.

After planting, place the pot in the sun to dry until slight cracks appear on the surface of the mud, so that the seed lotus root and the mud fully adhere. Then add a small amount of water, and after the buds grow, gradually deepen the water level, finally maintaining a 3-5 cm water layer.

III. What Are the Water Depth Requirements for Lotus Planting

The lotus's water demand depends on its variety. Large-strain varieties such as Gudal Lotus and Red Thousand Petals are suited to relatively deeper water, but it must not exceed 1.7 m. Medium and small strains are only suitable for water depths of 20-60 cm. At the same time, the lotus is very sensitive to water loss. In summer, if it is not watered for just 3 hours, the lotus leaves in the water tank will wilt; if watering is stopped for one day, the lotus leaves will scorch and the flower buds will wither. In addition, the lotus likes light and cannot tolerate shade. During the growth period, it needs a full-light environment; growing in semi-shade will show a strong phototropic tendency.

The whole lotus plant is a treasure, combining ornamental, edible and medicinal value. Friends who are interested can try planting it.