In the wild, lotus seeds begin their growth journey by germinating in the submerged environment where they land after being released from the parent plant.
The Germination Process
Lotus seeds are remarkably resilient and can remain dormant for long periods. However, when the conditions are right, primarily the presence of water and mud, the process of germination begins.
As stated in the reference:
Lotus seeds germinate in the mud usually at the bottom of bodies of water.
This critical first step typically occurs in the wet soil or muddy beds found within ponds, lakes, or slow-moving rivers.
Stages of Growth (Initial)
The early stages of wild lotus growth can be outlined as follows:
- Release: Mature seeds are released from the lotus pod.
- Settling: Seeds sink and settle into the mud or wet soil at the water's bottom.
- Germination: Triggered by water and suitable conditions, the seed coat is penetrated, and the embryo begins to develop.
- Sprouting: After successful germination, the seed develops into a small sprout.
Timeline for Germination
The time it takes for a lotus seed to germinate can vary significantly depending on environmental factors such as water temperature and seed viability. According to the reference:
- It can take anywhere from two weeks to two months for the seeds to germinate.
Once germination is complete, the sprout emerges, and the plant begins to grow towards the water's surface, eventually developing leaves and later, flowers.
Growing in the wild requires the seeds to find suitable locations with adequate light penetration through the water and nutrient-rich mud to support their initial development.
