Comprehensive guide on the planting method of lotus from seed selection to maintenance.

Selecting Seeds and Preparation for Planting

Lotus, also known as the water lily, is one of China's traditional ornamental plants. It is deeply loved by people for its purity, rising from the mud without being stained. With the increasing emphasis on ecological environment, the planting of lotus has also received more attention. This article will introduce you to the method of planting lotus in the soil, from seed selection to maintenance, to help you easily grow beautiful lotus flowers.

Seed Selection and Preparation

1. Seed Selection: There are many varieties of lotus, including red lotus, white lotus, and pink lotus. When choosing a variety, it should be based on the local climate, soil conditions, and personal preferences. Generally speaking, red lotus has better cold resistance and is suitable for the northern region, while white lotus and pink lotus are more suitable for the southern region.

2. Preparation: Before planting, prepare lotus rhizomes, planting ponds, and fertilizers. The planting pond should be selected in a place with abundant sunlight and water sources. The bottom of the pond needs to be flat, and the water depth should be about 1.5 meters.

Planting Method

1. Timing: The best time for planting lotus is in spring, generally between March and April, when the temperature gradually warms up, which is conducive to the growth of lotus.

2. Planting Steps:

a. Clean the rhizomes, removing the mud and impurities from the nodes.

b. Cut the nodes into segments about 30 centimeters long, with 2-3 buds on each segment.

c. Dig planting holes in the pond that are as deep as the length of the rhizome segments and place the rhizome vertically into the holes with the buds facing up.

d. Secure the rhizome with soil and fill the planting hole to ensure the rhizome is in close contact with the soil.

e. Water the rhizome to keep the soil moist, which is beneficial for the growth of the lotus.

Maintenance and Management

1. Watering: Lotus flowers love water. During the growing period, the soil should be kept moist. In the hot summer, water can be applied 1-2 times a day; in the low winter temperatures, the frequency of watering can be reduced.

2. Fertilization: During the vigorous growth period of the lotus, apply a compound fertilizer once a month to promote the growth of the lotus. When fertilizing, be careful not to sprinkle the fertilizer directly on the leaves to avoid burning them.

3. Weeding: During the growth of the lotus, it is necessary to remove weeds in time to keep the pond clean, which is beneficial for the growth of the lotus.

4. Disease and Pest Control: Lotus is prone to disease and pest infestations. If disease or pests are found, timely measures should be taken to control them.

Planting lotus in the soil is not difficult. By mastering the correct planting method and maintenance skills, one can easily grow beautiful lotus flowers. It is hoped that this article can provide useful references for your lotus planting.