Description
Blue lotus seeds can be sown directly in a container with a nutrient-rich, clay soil that retains moisture well. The seeds require plenty of water to germinate and grow, and the container should be kept filled with water to a depth of at least 4 inches. After a few days, the seeds will start to sprout and can be transferred to a container of water and soil. Blue lotus seeds require plenty of sunlight to germinate and grow.
With a history dating back thousands of years, Nymphaea caerulea has various current uses. One popular use is to soak the dried flowers in red wine overnight, strain, and drink in moderation. The effects are reportedly relaxing and sedating, inducing a feeling of contentment. The flowers can also be smoked alone or used in smoking blends.
Nymphaea comes from the Greek word nymphaia, which means water nymph. Both the rhizomes and seeds are edible. N. caerulea, also called N. caerulea ssp. zanzibarensis, is a naturalized water plant in NSW and QLD, replacing the native Nymphaea gigantea that is now extinct locally due to sedimentation and increased waterway disturbance. In Australia, it is commonly known as Blue Waterlily, while Lotus refers to Nelumbo spp.
