Water lilies are aquatic plants with beautifully colored flowers that float elegantly on the water’s surface. Their lush green leaves and vibrant blooms can transform a pond or aquatic garden. While water lilies are often propagated from tubers, you can also grow these plants from seeds. Here is a complete guide to planting water lily seeds and caring for the seedlings.
Gathering Seeds
The first step is acquiring viable water lily seeds. If you already have an established water lily, collect seeds in late summer after the flowers fade. Let the pod capsules mature and split open naturally, then gather the seeds from the water.
You can also purchase packaged water lily seeds from reputable online nurseries or retailers. Opt for named cultivars over generic mixed seed packets for predictable flower forms and colors.
Choosing a Container
Start water lily seeds in a watertight container that will accommodate growth. A plastic nursery tray or shallow tub works well. Provide at least 6 inches of depth initially.
For hardy water lily varieties, use an outdoor container placed at ground level in the garden pond. Tropical seeds need indoor conditions, so use a container that can be moved between greenhouses, sunrooms, etc.
Planting the Seeds
Fill the seed starting container with a lightweight potting mix formulated for aquatic plants Top with 1-2 inches of sand or fine gravel to cover the soil
Gently press each seed about 1 inch deep in the soil, spacing 2-3 inches apart. Use your finger or a blunt pencil point to push seeds in without damaging them. Cover any exposed seeds lightly with more sand.
Pour distilled water into the container until it just covers the surface of the planting medium. For hardy seeds, use cool 55°F water. Tropicals need warm 70-80°F water to germinate.
Caring for Seedlings
Keep seeds and seedlings submerged in 1-2 inches of water at all times. Top off with fresh water as needed. Place in bright, indirect light and maintain proper temperatures.
Thin overcrowded seedlings when the second set of leaves appears. Transplant each seedling into individual small pots when 3-4 leaves develop. Bury pots in 1-2 inches of water.
Increase water depth gradually as plants grow. Acclimate hardy varieties slowly to outdoor pond temperatures before transplanting permanently into the garden.
Transplanting Outdoors
Once night temperatures are reliably above 55°F, transition hardened off plants to the outdoor pond. Select a sunny site with nutrient rich soil or compost on the bottom.
If the pond is over 15 inches deep, transplant water lilies into containers like bushel baskets to keep crowns near the surface. Fill with aquatic soil and 1 inch of gravel topping
Lower filled containers into the desired spots in the pond, keeping the tops of plant crowns 4-6 inches below the water’s surface. Maintain this depth as plants grow by adding cinder blocks or stones under pots.
Ongoing Care
Water lilies thrive with 6 hours of direct sun daily. Give tropical varieties night temperatures over 70°F. Top dress pots with aquatic plant fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Remove faded flowers and dying leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Divide congested tubers every 2-3 years in early spring.
Protect hardy lilies by lowering pots deeper before winter. Tropicals need to overwinter indoors in warm greenhouses near bright light.
Starting water lilies from seeds requires patience and proper conditions, but allows you to gain amazing diversity. Follow these tips for success growing these aquatic beauties from seeds!
Growing Water Lilies from Seeds – Key Steps
- Collect fresh seeds from existing plants or purchase quality nursery seeds
- Use large containers filled with aquatic potting mix
- Press seeds 1 inch deep into the soil
- Cover seeds with 1-2 inches of water
- Keep seeds submerged at all times in proper temperatures
- Transplant seedlings when 3-4 leaves appear
- Gradually increase water depth as plants grow
- Acclimate hardy varieties slowly before transplanting outdoors
- Lower containers into pond with crown 4-6 inches below water
- Provide full sun and consistent moisture
- Fertilize monthly and remove spent flowers
- Overwinter tropical varieties indoors
With the right start, you can add unique, vibrant water lilies grown from seed to your own aquatic gardens.
Water Lily | How to Grow Water Lily from seed | Grow Lotus Plant at Home | 10 Days Update |
FAQ
How do you plant lily seeds?
How do you germinate water lily lotus seeds?
Do water lilies have to be planted in soil?
How long does it take for water lily to germinate?
How do you grow water lilies from seed?
If you decide to start your tropical water lilies or hardy water lilies by seed, find a mature adult water lily plant to harvest seeds from, and you will need a plastic bag, paper towels, garden soil, a small hand shovel, white sand, and several containers. Water lilies disperse their seeds in pods.
Can you plant water lily seeds in a pond?
If you don’t have access to fresh water lily seeds, you can purchase them online or from specialty nurseries. When planting water lily seeds, ensure you use a container filled with heavy topsoil or clay soil. Regular potting mix is too light and will float to the pond’s surface when the pot is submerged in water.
How do water lilies reproduce?
Water lilies reproduce through seeds, and if you’re interested in growing these plants in your own pond or garden, you may be wondering how to collect water lily seeds and when is the best time to do so. Collecting water lily seeds can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to know when and how to do it correctly.
Where can I buy water lily seeds?
If you don’t have access to fresh water lily seeds you can buy them online and from specialty nurseries. Water lily seeds can be planted in a container filled with heavy topsoil or clay soil. Avoid using regular potting mix because it’s too light and will float to the top of the water when you place the pot in the pond.