Amazonian Posted October 11, 2013 i had been thinking about growing some of these myself, I had a crack at growing lotus last summer. The seeds germinated no worries and they were growing quick, but soon withered away to mush as the Melbourne winter set in. Your from Melbourne too Scarecrow, so don't be too disappointed if you don't have success in growing these water beauties. I absolutely love the Lotus flower and leaves, so i will continue to try to grow them (in my sunroom) ...even if i have to move up north...I WILL grow lotus one day. . Maybe for now, i will have to be satisfied with nasturtium, lol. Looking forward to seeing your pics Stillman. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted October 12, 2013 not flash pics but you can see they are starting to wake up First flower wrong time of year and everything?? lol 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vegetarium Posted October 16, 2013 Beautiful pictures Stillman You're an artist! Would you consider them very difficult to grow? I have such an affinity for the Lotus and their Egyptian namesakes, but despite how much I wish it wasn't true, I have more of a black thumb than a green one. Every plant I touch seems to die! I'd love to grow some but if it's a delicate and difficult thing to do, it might not be the best idea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted October 16, 2013 (edited) If your climate is willing they will grow, I really haven't done much to these, all are seed grown. My containers are a bit small so not sure how they will go when they really start to pump. Just do a bit of research, seeds are cheap follow some of the online how to grows and you won't have a problem with these. Edited October 16, 2013 by Stillman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazonian Posted November 4, 2013 I have recently read that if a lotus plant is established enough, that is has developed tubers, then in will go dormant over winter. As long as the tubers don't freeze, it will take off again come warmer weather. So there is hope for me yet. I just got some more lotus seed, and am going to have another crack, i just need to get some good growth on them before winter. Thanks for the inspiration Stillman. How are your flowers going? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted November 4, 2013 that flower ended up aborting but the plant are pumping along now, plenty of leaves in the air so hopefully flowers next month or early next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted November 28, 2013 This one looks like it will open, same plant. Hopefully it will be open by tomorrow. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tripsis Posted November 28, 2013 Holy shit, you are one crazy mofo Stillman! That garden of yours is wild! You should make a thread showcasing everything you've got. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortly Posted November 28, 2013 I have recently read that if a lotus plant is established enough, that is has developed tubers, then in will go dormant over winter. As long as the tubers don't freeze, it will take off again come warmer weather. So there is hope for me yet. I just got some more lotus seed, and am going to have another crack, i just need to get some good growth on them before winter. Thanks for the inspiration Stillman. How are your flowers going? Its all about the genetics Amz. The ones with more lutea in their parentage are very cold hardy, as long as they dont freeze solid. While some of the more tropical nucifera clones are VERY sensitive. From what ive read lately most of the varieties coming out in the past 10 years or so mostly have cold tolerant chinese nucifera parentage. Including the ones derived from the gobi desert line, they are mucho cool 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted November 28, 2013 A little bit of everything here Tripsis lol. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted November 28, 2013 not sure why that photo came out sideways? see how it has malformed petals? I think this seed was supposed to be the "rose" flowered type, obviously not particularly stable gene. Really vigorous plant but is pushing another two flowers while everything else is just growing leaves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tripsis Posted November 28, 2013 Are you on a regular suburban block? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted November 28, 2013 yeah but the back 3rd is mine to mess around with. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted November 28, 2013 I'm not sure if these are self fertile, as I only have the one open I'll try and self it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tripsis Posted November 28, 2013 Good use of space! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted November 28, 2013 I agree, not sure what the neighbours think.. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazonian Posted November 30, 2013 Do you get a lot of evaporation/transpiration going on Skillman?, like how often do you need to top up the buckets of water that contain the lotus plants? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted November 30, 2013 Once a month or so, the rains been filling them this month. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazonian Posted November 30, 2013 (edited) I thought the leaves might divert the rain, like act as an umbrella and not much rain would make it into the bucket. Your going to need bigger buckets soon, you know that, don't you Edited November 30, 2013 by Amazonian 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites