{"product_id":"sacred-lotus-seeds-australia","title":"Sacred Lotus Seeds | Nelumbo nucifera","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpectacular Emergent Blooms · Fast-Germinating Seeds · Ideal for Ponds \u0026amp; Water Bowls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePack Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard Pack with 5 seeds or Best Value Pack with 15 seeds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Australian Grown • Organically Cultivated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aquatic perennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Broad leaves and tall flower stems rise above the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water bowls, aquatic gardens and ponds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scarification required before soaking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Flowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e First-season flowering is possible when started early in warm conditions with strong sun. Plants that spend their first season establishing may flower from the following warm season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eABOUT SACRED LOTUS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew plants transform still water like Sacred Lotus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a single hard-shelled seed, \u003cem\u003eNelumbo nucifera\u003c\/em\u003e develops broad circular leaves, striking pink blooms held high above the water and the unmistakable seed heads that follow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSacred Lotus is not a water lily. Its mature leaves rise above the surface on long stalks and are extraordinarily water-repellent. Water beads across the leaf and rolls away, collecting loose particles as it moves. This remarkable self-cleaning phenomenon became known as the “lotus effect” and later inspired the development of water-repellent materials and surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants raised from seed are naturally individual. Flower colour, form, vigour, flowering time and mature size can vary from one plant to the next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDID YOU KNOW?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1994, scientists germinated a Sacred Lotus seed recovered from an ancient dry lake bed in northeastern China. Radiocarbon dating placed the seed at approximately 1,300 years old, making it at the time the oldest directly dated seed ever shown to remain viable. Of the six ancient seeds tested, four successfully germinated, with most sprouting in fewer than four days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eORIGINS \u0026amp; ETHNOBOTANICAL HISTORY\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Plant with an Extraordinary Range\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSacred Lotus occurs naturally from Ukraine and northern Iran across Asia to northern and northeastern Australia. In the wild, it inhabits shallow freshwater environments including ponds, lakes, lagoons, marshes and floodplains. Australia is not merely somewhere Sacred Lotus can be cultivated. It forms part of the species’ native range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Human Story More Than 8,500 Years Old\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relationship between people and Sacred Lotus reaches deep into prehistory. At an early human occupation site in southern China, archaeologists identified a charred fragment of the plant’s underground rhizome, commonly called lotus root. They directly radiocarbon dated it to more than 8,500 years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSacred Lotus has been cultivated across Asia for at least 3,000 years, with different forms selected for their edible rhizomes and seeds as well as their ornamental flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSacred and Practical\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the lotus became an enduring symbol of purity, divinity and spiritual awakening. Around the first century BCE, carved lotuses formed part of the sacred railing surrounding India’s Bharhut Stupa, where the flower appeared as an auspicious symbol associated with the Buddha’s enlightenment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts importance has never been purely symbolic. The rhizomes and seeds are widely eaten and the young leaves, leaf stalks and flowers are also consumed in parts of Asia. Lotus seed paste remains a traditional filling in Chinese mooncakes, while the crisp rhizomes are prepared in numerous savoury dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGROWING GUIDE\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Grow Sacred Lotus from Seed in Australia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest Time to Start:\u003c\/strong\u003e October to December in temperate regions once reliably warm conditions arrive. In tropical and frost-free areas, start whenever water temperatures can be maintained at approximately 25 to 30 °C and strong natural light is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 1: Scarify the Seed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind the rounded, slightly indented end of the seed. It sits opposite the small pointed tip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarefully file or sand the rounded end until the pale cream layer beneath the dark outer coat is just visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop as soon as the pale layer appears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not file the pointed tip or cut deeply into the seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 2: Soak in Warm Water\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the scarified seed in clean water at approximately 25 to 30 °C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChange the water daily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seed should begin absorbing water and swelling once the hard outer coat has been breached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 3: Allow Germination to Begin\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the water warm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder suitable conditions, germination can begin within several days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce growth appears, provide strong natural light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinue changing the water daily while the young seedling develops. Handle emerging shoots as little as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 4: Transfer to Soil\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen several leaves and a developing root system are present, carefully transfer the seedling into a container of heavy loam or suitable aquatic planting soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid standard potting mix. It can float, cloud the water and disturb the developing plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 5: Manage Water Depth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegin with approximately 5 cm of water above the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncrease the depth gradually as the plant grows and produces new leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the water level stable between adjustments and avoid sudden increases in depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGermination Notice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeeds are living botanical material and germination cannot be guaranteed. Results depend on seed condition, correct scarification, water temperature, light and ongoing care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePLANT CARE \u0026amp; MAINTENANCE\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow in full sun. Strong light supports vigorous foliage, flowering and rhizome development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the soil submerged and maintain a stable water level. Increase the depth gradually as the plant matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use heavy loam or a suitable aquatic planting mix that will remain stable under water. Avoid standard potting mix. It can float and cloud the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once active growth is well underway, use a suitable aquatic fertiliser according to the product directions. Apply carefully to avoid damaging the growing tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCool Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Growth may slow or stop during cold weather. In frost-prone areas, protect the rhizome from freezing and keep it moist during dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove fading foliage as required. Take care around the base of the plant. Growing tips are fragile and easily damaged by disturbance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResponsible Cultivation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep Sacred Lotus within managed ponds, water bowls or aquatic gardens. Prevent seeds, rhizomes or plant fragments from entering natural waterways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Biosecurity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNSW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQLD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConditions apply\u003cbr\u003ePlease verify current Tasmanian small-weight seed import requirements before ordering.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nre.tas.gov.au\/biosecurity-tasmania\/plant-biosecurity\/small-weight-seed-imports\"\u003eView Tasmanian seed import requirements →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVIC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConditions apply\u003cbr\u003ePlease verify current Western Australian biosecurity requirements before ordering.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.designsystem.dpird.wa.gov.au\/online-tools\/western-australian-organism-list\/\"\u003eCheck Western Australian requirements →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINTERNATIONAL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConditions apply\u003cbr\u003ePlease confirm your destination's import requirements before ordering. International post is available where permitted. Sacred Plants Australia does not provide phytosanitary certificates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eLast Reviewed: 1 October 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/biosecurity-import-information\"\u003eBiosecurity \u0026amp; Shipping Information →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sacred Plants Australia","offers":[{"title":"Starter Pack • 5 Seeds","offer_id":53803797086502,"sku":"SLS-5","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Best Value Pack • 15 Seeds • Save 33%","offer_id":53803797119270,"sku":"SLS-15","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7656\/8102\/files\/sacred-plants-australia-nelumbo-nucifera-seed-pod.jpg?v=1790367611","url":"https:\/\/sacredplants.com.au\/products\/sacred-lotus-seeds-australia","provider":"Sacred Plants Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}