Well, good news and bad news. The lotus blossom did take like a week and half to bloom and then decided to do it while we were in PA over the weekend. Seems like you got some good rain here and that must have trashed it.

That was the bad news. The good news is, we had another bud coming, and it is blooming today. Here are 2 pics. Enjoy!

PS, if anyone wants seeds, I'd be happy to send some.

Mary Anne

What a beautiful flower! Reminds me a cross between a peony and tulip. The plants in your pond looks really healthy too.
Thanks for sharing :D

Thanks TLC. What you can't tell is the size of it...it's about 8 inches in diameter!
MA

It's beautiful! I wish my lotus would bloom. Don't forget to smell it. I remember they smelled interesting.

Hi MaryAnne

The lotus is beautiful.I have never seen that before.
Thank you for sharing.
I would love to trade some seeds with you.


swampview

You are right, you can't tell that they are that big. And you grew those from seeds? Good job Mary Anne!!

Grew them from seeds?? I wish...no way! I have a black and blue thumb, however Hubby is quite the green thumb...gets it from his mom. But no, we bought this at Lilypons 2 years ago.

Swamp, I don't know how we go about trading addresses, but I'll try a private msg. I don't really want any seeds back in trade though...as I said I'm not very good with plants. :(

MA

Hi MaryAnne

I got your message and sent you my address.
If you need any more info let me know.

Thanks swampview

Hi MaryAnne
You will have a hard time growing lotus from seed and after all the effort you will not get the plant you have because it is a hybred. What you can do is next spring divide the plant.(you need to do this when the plant is still dormant) To do that you will need to remove the soil and be careful not to damage the growth tips so gently wash with a hose. then you will need 3 growh tips for each division of root. This is important if you divide at each growth point like you would any other plant the tuber will not make it. For starting the new tuber you will need a wide shallow container, put 2-3 inches of heavy soil on the bottom and gently place tuber on top and use a small rock to hold it down (otherwise it will float) use no fertilizer at this point. cover with 4-5 inches of water and place in a warm location. Lotus like heat heat heat. after you see growth, fine roots and the growh poing pushing into the soil you can lightly cover tuber and start to fertilize lightly. Once more vigerous growth starts feed feed feed. Use 6-8 tablets every 2 weeks this will insure a large heathly plant and give you many more flowers, but mostly will insure that as the plant develops the root stock will be large and healthy this will allow you over winter it. If you are in a warmer climate its not quite as critical but here in the north (upstate NY) small tubers will not overwinter even if the plant looks healthy through the growing season, which is why so many people think that lotus are tropical. Good luck it is a beautiful plant.
Markp

Thanks Mark. My seed pods are about ready to cut, I think, and all but one were fertilized. I will probably try to grow one just for the challenge but I do want to send the seeds to Swamp as well, just for yucks.

I don't think I'm going to divide it as I'm just as happy with one. Thanks for all the good info though.

MA