The sacred Lotus scientifically named as Nelumbo nucifera, is believed to be a living fossil. The evolutionary history of the genus Nelmbo is longer than any other flowering plants. The geographical distribution of lotus demarcates two extant species ,the north American species Nelumbo lutea ,the yellow lotus ( see our listings for a new range of yellow lotus ) and the Asian Species Nelumbo nucifera.
Most of the hybrids are cross between the yellow American lotus and the Asian lotus. The decade long selections and hybridizing have brought remarkable hybrid lotuses ranging from the tiny micro lotuses to the extra large space lotus.
The lotus propagated from the seeds doesn’t truly represent its parents. Like any other plants vegetative propagation by tubers are the best method to get an exact copy of the parent plant.
Hence, lotus tubers (technically called rhizome, the stem of lotus and not roots) are the best and popular planting materials to start. Lotus tubers are hardy and can be stored live under refrigeration for long. They are safe in transit and remain live even up to 17 to 20 days under normal temperature.
Plants from tubers generally flowers in two months in ample conditions. Being a heat loving plant, they thrive well in a temperature range of 25 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius.
The best time for starting lotus from tubers in India is Spring (March-April) so that it blooms from the month of June till September or even November too.
During winter and short days, the plant goes dormant.
Spring is in the air, thanks to many hybridizers for creating many magnificent lotuses such as the bowl lotuses for the urban gardeners. We have a good range of Micro, small, medium and large cultivars of lotus suited for growing in containers. Enjoy this summer by gifting yourself or your loved ones with this divine beauty.
Happy Gardening !
