Pink Lotus

3 Seeds

Pink Lotus is a stunning aquatic perennial admired for its large fragrant pink flowers and elegant round leaves that rise above the water. It is one of the most popular lotus varieties for ornamental ponds, water gardens, fountains, and large containers. The flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, while the seeds, rhizomes, leaves, and flowers are also valued in traditional cuisine and herbal practices. The warm Gulf climate is highly suitable for growing Pink Lotus.

Best Planting Time

• March to May (recommended)
• Can also be started from February if temperatures stay above 20°C.
• Avoid starting seeds during the coolest winter weeks.

Seed Preparation

• Lotus seeds have an extremely hard seed coat.
• Carefully file or sand one end of the seed until the light-colored inner layer is just visible, taking care not to damage the embryo.
• Place the scarified seeds in warm water (28–35°C).
• Change the water daily.
• Seeds usually swell within 1–3 days and germinate within 4–10 days.

Growing Medium

Once roots and shoots appear, transplant into heavy aquatic soil.

Recommended mix:

• 70% Heavy clay soil or garden loam
• 20% Well-rotted compost
• 10% Coarse sand

Avoid lightweight potting mixes containing large amounts of peat moss or perlite, as they float.

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.5–7.5

Planting Method

• Use a wide container without drainage holes.
• Plant the sprouted seed 2–3 cm deep, leaving the growing shoot exposed.
• Add water slowly until it covers the soil by 5–10 cm.
• Gradually increase the water depth to 20–40 cm as the plant grows.
• Mature lotus performs best in 30–50 cm of water.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 25–35°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 25–38°C
• Requires 6–8 hours (preferably more) of direct sunlight daily.
• Full sun is essential for vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

Watering

• Lotus must always remain in standing water.
• Keep the water clean and replenish evaporated water regularly.
• Never allow the container to dry out.

Germination Time

• 4–10 days after scarification and soaking.
• Floating leaves usually appear within 2–3 weeks.

Plant Spacing

• Grow one lotus per container.
• Use containers at least 40–60 cm wide for dwarf varieties and 60–90 cm wide for standard varieties.

Flowering

• Usually blooms 3–5 months after sowing under warm conditions.
• Continues flowering throughout the warm season.
• Remove faded flowers and old leaves to encourage healthy growth.

Fertilization

• Do not fertilize until several floating leaves have developed.
• Apply aquatic plant fertilizer tablets every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
• Avoid over-fertilizing young plants.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Pink Lotus thrives in the Gulf's warm climate.
• Keep water levels stable during periods of high evaporation.
• Apply fresh water regularly to compensate for water loss.
• Protect young seedlings from strong winds.
• Monitor for aphids, caterpillars, and algae growth.
• Pink Lotus is ideal for ornamental ponds, patio water gardens, fountains, decorative tubs, and aquatic landscapes.