6 Pink Nelumbo nucifera Seeds, Sacred Lotus
The sacred lotus requires a nutrient-rich and loamy soil. Plant seeds in the beginning of the summer period (from March until May in the US). The first step of cultivation is to turn over the soil. One layer of animal manure is applied, before flooding the field. To support a quick initial growth, the water level is kept relatively low and increased when the plants begin to grow. From April to September (in the US), the average daytime temperature needed is 75 to 80 °F.
Seeds are dormant, so don't give up. They are viable for up to a millennia.
All parts of Nelumbo nucifera are edible, with the rhizome and seeds being the main consumption parts. Traditionally rhizomes, leaves, and seeds have been used as folk medicine, as well as in Ayurveda and TCM. While leaves are used for hematemesis, epistaxis, and hematuria, the flowers are used for lowering blood sugar levels, diarrhea, cholera, fever, and hyperdipsia. Rhizomes have purported diuretic, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The dried seed pod heads are used in flower arrangements.
photo by T. Voekler