American Lotus Seeds (Nelumbo lutea) – Native Yellow Lotus Flower Seeds for Water Gardens & Ponds

American Lotus Seeds (Nelumbo lutea) – Native Water Lotus Flower Seeds for Sacred Waterscapes

Discover the serene beauty and historical power of the American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea) — a native aquatic perennial revered for its stunning blooms and sacred roots. Often called Yellow Lotus, Water-Chinquapin, or White Lotus, this emergent water plant offers more than ornamental appeal. With luminous white to pale-yellow petals rising above the water’s surface, it transforms ponds and wetlands into spaces of quiet majesty.

These American Lotus Seeds are a gateway to cultivating your own sacred water garden. Native to the U.S. and historically used by Indigenous tribes as a food source, this plant’s edible roots and seeds were once a valued staple. Today, it remains a symbol of purity and resilience — deeply rooted in the mud, yet blooming in absolute grace.

✅ Common Names: American Lotus, Yellow Lotus, White Lotus, Water-Chinquapin
✅ Latin Name: Nelumbo lutea
✅ Type: Native U.S. Wildflower | Aquatic Emergent Plant
✅ Life Cycle: Perennial | Cold-Hardy in USDA Zones 4–11
✅ Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun
✅ Height: Up to 60 inches
✅ Bloom Color: White to Pale Yellow
✅ Bloom Season: Late Summer
✅ Regions: Adaptable across the Midwest, Southeast, Plains, Northeast, and California
✅ Ideal For: Natural ponds, wetland restoration, and sacred water garden landscapes

Whether you call them lotus flower seeds, water-chinquapin seeds, or simply American lotus seeds, these beautiful aquatic blooms thrive in full sun and shallow water. Perfect for eco-conscious gardeners and aquatic plant enthusiasts alike, Sacred Plant Co’s lotus seeds are carefully selected to honor their wild heritage.

🌱 Available in 3, 9, or 18 seed packs
🌱 Each seed is untreated, heirloom, and ready to awaken beneath the water's surface

Grow a piece of North American history. Rooted in the past, blooming for the future.

American Lotus Seeds FAQs: Cultivation and Care Guide

Q: What is Nelumbo lutea and what makes American lotus unique?
A: Nelumbo lutea, commonly known as American lotus, is a native yellow-flowered water plant prized for its large, fragrant blossoms and hardy resilience. American Lotus Seeds produce plants that thrive in standing water between two and twelve inches deep, creating stunning yellow flowers that attract pollinators and add architectural interest to ponds and water gardens.

Q: How do I plant American lotus seeds for successful germination?
A: Soak seeds overnight, then nick or sand the hard outer coating to expose the interior. Plant each soaked American Lotus Seed in a four- to six-inch-deep container filled with heavy clay soil. Submerge the pot in one to two inches of water, increasing depth as sprouts emerge. Maintain water temperatures above seventy degrees Fahrenheit for best germination.

Q: When is the best time to germinate American lotus seeds?
A: Spring after the last frost is ideal. Sow American Lotus Seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your average last frost date so water temperatures reach at least seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Once hardy buds appear and rhizomes develop, transition seedlings outdoors in late May to early June when nighttime temperatures consistently exceed sixty degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What growing conditions does Nelumbo lutea prefer?
A: Nelumbo lutea flourishes in full sun with at least six hours of direct light daily and water depths of two to twelve inches above the soil surface. American Lotus Seeds perform best in nutrient-rich, loamy to clay pond bottoms with stable water levels. Avoid moving containers regularly, since consistent water conditions support robust root development and prolific flowering.

Q: How often should I fertilize American lotus plants?
A: Begin fertilizing six weeks after planting, when the first floating leaves appear, using a slow-release aquatic fertilizer tablet. Insert one tablet into the soil near the rhizome every four to six weeks during the growing season. This regular nutrition ensures vigorous leaf growth and abundant yellow blossoms from midsummer through early fall.

Q: Can I grow Nelumbo lutea from seeds in a small backyard pond?
A: Yes, you can grow American Lotus Seeds in containers at least ten to twelve inches wide and six to eight inches deep. Place the container in a sunny spot within your backyard pond, ensuring two to eight inches of water above the soil line. Top off water levels as temperatures rise to maintain ideal conditions for root and leaf development.

Q: What pests or diseases commonly affect American lotus?
A: American lotus is generally resistant, but fungal issues like crown rot can occur in poorly drained soils or with fluctuating water levels. Aphids sometimes infest new growth; treat lightly with an insecticidal soap that does not contain cortisone. Ensuring a stable water depth and avoiding overcrowding seedlings helps reduce disease risk.