What am I?
I’m very attractive, totally edible, and a symbol of peace, purity and enlightenment.
Did you guess?
I am the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) – a magnificent addition to your organic garden.
The sacred lotus is native to Asia and northern Australia, where it is eaten or used medicinally. Lotuses fruit between January and July – seeds of which can be consumed raw or roasted. Stems can be eaten raw and taste like celery. Lotus root can be sliced thinly and fried into crisp chips.
How to Grow Sacred Lotus Successfully
Flowers are spectacular, large, white and/or pink-scented blooms that attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. A decorative fruit pod suitable for flower arrangements remains after the flower dies.
In nature, the plant grows in warm, still waters such as billabongs. Sacred lotus can thrive in our subtropical climate, requiring full sun (6+ hours per day), still water, and nutrient-rich soil. For best results, start with tubers (rhizomes) in late winter, rather than seeds.
Plant in large, 40-50cm deep containers during late winter/spring, keeping submerged, but allowing aerial leaves to rise. Use heavy, sandy loam or clay-based soil, add liquid organic fertiliser in summer, and protect from wind.
Both beautiful and productive, the sacred lotus is hard to beat.
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