Growing lotus in the water garden is no feat of magic. This plant is remarkably easy to grow if you give it full sun and very damp soils.

The trick is in establishing and planting them properly. There is a sharp growing pointed end and this must be well-protected in transport as bruising or damaging this growing tip spells certain death for the tender transplant. The root should be laid on the slight indentation on the soil surface and the middle of the root covered over with approximately an inch of soil. Do not cover the ends of the roots. They want to be above the soil line at this point in their lives.

Once in the pot, this pot should be put so that 4 to 6 inches of water cover the root. Once the leaves have started being produced and the water warms up to at least 70F, the pot can be lowered another few inches to 6-8 inches below the waterline. This is the recommended depth for growing lotus successfully.

Lastly, the lotus plant is a river edge plant and wants to be in the full hot sun. It will not grow very well in shady gardens. You can get articles on starting lotus from seed, lotus varieties and overwintering the lotus plant from this page of lotus articles.

Doug Green

Award-winning garden writer with over 25 years in the nursery business. Written seven books, syndicated columnist, experienced radio host and e-publisher answering gardening questions through his websites and blog.