Lotus Seeds

Lotus Seeds – Grow the Sacred Flower of Asia

With this Lotus Seed Kit from Radis et Capucine, you can grow one of the world's most mesmerising aquatic plants right at home. The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has symbolised purity, renewal and enlightenment for millennia – and with a little patience, you can raise this majestic plant from a single seed.

This set from the renowned French seed company based in the Loire Valley includes viable lotus seeds and detailed instructions. Radis et Capucine has been crafting premium organic seed kits for over 25 years – Made in France.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

1. Seed Preparation (Scarification)

Lotus seeds have an extremely hard shell that blocks water. You must file it down before germination:

• Use a metal file or coarse sandpaper
• File the rounded end of the seed (opposite the small pointed tip)
• File until you see a light, yellowish-white layer – this is the endosperm
• Important: Don't file too deep – just expose the inner layer without damaging it

2. Soaking and Germination

• Place scarified seeds in a glass of warm water (25–30°C / 77–86°F)
• Change the water daily to prevent mould
• Keep in a warm, bright location
• Seeds will swell, split open and sprout within 4–7 days

3. Transplanting

• When the shoot reaches 10–15 cm, plant into heavy pond soil or clay
• Set about 2 cm deep and cover with a thin layer of mud
• Place the pot in a container with 10–20 cm of water above the soil

4. Location and Care

• Full sun: Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Water temperature: Ideally 20–30°C – outdoors in summer is perfect
• Fertilising: From the second month onwards with aquatic plant fertiliser
• Winter care: Not frost-hardy – bring indoors before the first frost and overwinter cool (5–10°C)

Growing Lotus in a Bowl

You don't need a pond! Lotus thrives in a container of 40 cm or more in diameter. Use a wide, shallow bowl or utility tub. Fill with heavy pond soil (not potting compost – it floats!), plant the seedling and flood with 10–20 cm of water. The lotus first produces floating leaves, then the iconic large aerial leaves above the water surface.

When Will It Flower?

Seed-grown lotus typically need 2–3 growing seasons before producing their first bloom. Under optimal conditions (full sun, warm water, good fertilisation), it may happen after just one season – but plan for 2–3 years. The flowers are spectacular: large pink blooms with an enchanting fragrance.

Tips and Tricks

• Use chlorine-free water (aged tap water or rainwater)
• A balcony mini-pond (40+ cm diameter) is sufficient for dwarf lotus varieties
• Floating leaves are normal – the large aerial leaves come later
• Cold is the biggest enemy of young seedlings – always keep warm (above 20°C)
• Never use potting compost – it floats and clouds the water. Only heavy pond soil or clay
• Lotus seeds are astonishingly long-lived – seeds over 1,000 years old have been successfully germinated

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow lotus in a bowl?
Yes! Dwarf lotus varieties thrive in containers of 40 cm or more. Perfect for balconies – no pond required.

How deep should the water be?
10–20 cm above the soil is ideal. The lotus grows to the surface on its own.

When will it flower?
Seed-grown lotus usually flowers after 2–3 growing seasons. Under optimal conditions (sun, warmth, good feeding), it may bloom sooner.

Is it hardy?
No. In cooler climates, bring the plant indoors in autumn and overwinter in a cool (5–10°C), dark spot.

Why is my water cloudy?
You likely used potting compost instead of pond soil or clay. Heavy soil sinks to the bottom; lightweight compost floats and clouds the water.

What's Included

• Viable pink lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera)
• Detailed instructions (DE, EN, IT, ES)
• Packaging: 13 × 13 cm
• Brand: Radis et Capucine, Angers, France