How to grow water lilies from water lily seeds

Jul 05,2024 | chloriseeds

Growing water lilies from seeds can be a rewarding and enjoyable process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Scarify the Seeds: Gently nick or sand the hard outer coating of the seeds to help them absorb water and speed up germination. Be careful not to damage the inner seed.
Soak the Seeds: Place the scarified seeds in a bowl of warm water. Change the water daily to prevent mold growth. Seeds should begin to swell and sprout within a few days to two weeks.

Prepare Containers: Fill shallow containers or seed trays with a layer of aquarium gravel or coarse sand at the bottom for drainage. Top this with a layer of potting soil.
Plant the Seeds: Once the seeds have sprouted, gently press them into the soil, ensuring the sprouts are pointing upwards. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, just enough to hold them in place.

Add Water: Carefully add water to the containers until it just covers the soil. The water should be kept warm, ideally between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Cover the Containers: Cover the containers with plastic wrap or a clear plastic lid to create a humid environment and retain warmth.
Provide Light: Place the containers in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights. Water lilies need at least 6-8 hours of light daily for optimal growth.

Wait for Leaves: Once the seedlings develop a few leaves and the roots are well established, they are ready to be transplanted.
Prepare Planting Pots: Use larger pots or containers with no drainage holes. Fill them with heavy garden soil or aquatic planting medium.
Transplant Seedlings: Gently remove the seedlings from the germination containers and plant them in the pots, ensuring the roots are well covered with soil. Add a layer of gravel on top to hold the soil in place.

Choose a Location: Select a sunny spot in your pond or water garden with still, warm water.
Place the Pots: Submerge the pots in the pond, ensuring the crowns of the plants are just below the water surface. As the plants grow, you can gradually move them to deeper water.

Fertilize: Once the water lilies are established, use aquatic plant fertilizer tablets according to the package instructions to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Prune: Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy and prevent decay in the water.
Monitor: Keep an eye on pests and diseases. Aphids and fungal infections can be common issues but can be managed with appropriate treatments.

Patience: Growing water lilies from seeds takes time and patience. It may take a full growing season or more for the plants to mature and bloom.
Temperature: Water lilies thrive in warm water. In cooler climates, you may need to start seeds indoors or use a heated aquarium to provide the necessary warmth.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow beautiful water lilies from seeds, adding a stunning and tranquil element to your water garden.