Growing Water Lily from Seeds (Nymphaeaceae Family)

We fully realize that growing from seed can be an interesting and inexpensive way for people to get started as compared with buying rhizomes or plants.

Seeds can be sprouted in warm water and potted individually, we prefer to plant them before they sprout.

The number of seeds determines container size, everything from small pots to dish pans to small ponds. Put a layer of soil in the bottom, add water to the brim, level and compact the soil once it has settled from filling with water. We then distribute the seeds as evenly as possible over the soil and drizzle a thin layer of white sand through the water over the seeds. This helps to anchor them and to see them as they sprout. Adding water after putting the seeds are put in can dislodge them, as can placing the container in a pond.

When seedlings have made several floating leaves in smaller containers, we carefully dig them up and pot them individually. In small ponds designed for seedlings we let plants grow to blooming stage and then remove them, either to propagate or discard, making more space for still developing seedlings.