How to Germinate Lotus Seeds

I really don't know California agricultural law against purchasing growing and selling water lotus but I bought these from ebay and was shipped to me from China hopefully I'm not breaking any laws ?

Step 1: Scoring the Seeds

one and only most difficult part of this stage is to score the seeds (opening one end of the seeds) I've seen people try many ways. I seen it been filed down, you can sand it down, cut it with a knife or blade. I prefer to use a drill bit.

Step 2: 1/4 Inch Drill Bit Was My Weapon of Choice

there's two ends to the seeds. One is a dimple end the other is a nipple end. With your drill bit (SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY) Drill into the (DIMPLE) end of the seeds just enough to penetrate the outer hard shell of the seeds carefully not to hit the inner white meat of the seeds.

Step 3: Container, Water, and Temperature

I used a old glass pickle about 7 inch tall in length. I was told not to use tap water straight from the faucet. But I'm a rebel so I use it anyways because it was easy to control the temperature and more convenient since this is all taking place in my kitchen. Not burning hot water but warm safe to touch water is what you want.

Step 4: I Love California Weather

okay maybe not right now because we're in the middle of winter not because it's cold but there is no sunlight to give to these little guys. Knowing that to have a successful growth in a seed you need the right temperature, Water, and sun. So....where else would be a good place to store them? I got it the stove. Not on the burners of course I'm not craving lotus seeds soup but above where the button function are against the wall. Here's why,
1. the temperature needs to be around 60 to 90 degrees for it to germinate
2. the stove light can be very beneficial since California don't have any sun right now or else I would just leave it at the window
3. I thought I have a number three but I don't

Step 5: It's Like Caring for a Baby While You Watch It Grow

Watching it grow is the most precious thing you can possibly experience from growing a seed into a fully grown plant. But wait just like a baby it needs your caring for and attention. Twice a day the water needs changing (replace with warm water) when the sun do decide to play peek a boo with you take it outside try to feed it as much sunlight as possible at least 7 hours a day.

Step 6: They Grow Fast...

About a 1/2 inch a day once you see the first growth spurts. I eventually had to transfer them in to a glass water jug because you want them to be at least 6 in tall before you can pot them (I'll have an instructables update on that too soon) stay tuned.

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