Hi Eloise, Lotus like to grow in containers that are round and as large as you can fit in your water container or is manageable. The roots will grow around the edges of the container mostly and the container does not need to be deep; 6-8" of soil would work for most.

Thank you azdesertpond. Since no one had commented before, I planted three sprouted seeds in a rectangular bin about 14x19, with about six inches of soil. I added a piece of mosquito dunk instead of mosquito fish. If these grow, then I will sprout more seeds. Been sprinkling so there's droplets on the leaves.

Two leaves are about two inches wide.

Eloise,

How are your lotus doing? I'm in the early stages now with my little lotus. Please update status of your lotus, and pics please. Need support.

butterfly, the lotus are coming along. Didn't take a picture because they pretty much look the same other than there are now 4 pads about 3 inches each. Thanks.

Hi guys, nice to see that some other people have started lotus seeds.I have 2 struggling seedlings, so am pretty disappointed. They were a lot of work! :P

Here's an update on my lotus. I've been getting algae because the tub is sitting out in full sun and it's been hot! I scooped out some algae and added algae control.

Thank you for the encouragement! They're not dead but don't look very promising....just gearing up the courage ( and energy ) to try again lol

I so want to do this. I'll be looking for the tubers in the spring. I have a tub that should work and the garden soil to give it 8 inches of soil. I'm excited. I understand the seeds mutate easily so a variety of colors are possible. Wouldn't it be great to come up with the ancient blue?

Tammy, wishing you great success when you get yours going. Mine didn't progress much past what the photo above looks like. I hope they do better in another year.

I'll have to read up on them. I don't know how long they live or even what kind of water they like besides still rather than moving.

I don't know much either, but my fairly new lotus, die back and then sprout again with the tubers getting bigger. Since they are in a tub without a pump, they survive in still water.

You started yours from seed right? So do you know what color you have?

Yes Tammy, I started from seeds, and have no clue what color(s) because I got the lotus pods from Hobby Lobby.