Planting Instructions:

• Step 1: Fill a planting tub with 2" of a clay-based material and 2" of clay/soil mix. (not included with kit)
• Step 2: Add a 3-4" layer of aquatic planting media on top.
• Step 3: Plant the tuber in a horizontal position with the bottom root end close to the tub wall and the growing tip pointed upwards and towards the center. The tuber should be placed down into the soil just enough to be anchored with the growing tip exposed just above the planting media.
• Step 4: If desired, place a light layer of gravel/rock on top of the planting media. (not included with kit)
• Step 5: Place the planting tub into the pond. The water's surface level should be 3-6" above the growing tip of the stem.
• Step 6: For lotuses, use 4 Thrive™ tabs every 2 to 4 weeks.

Overwintering in place:

• Wait until lotus leaves are shriveled and stems are brown.
• Remove all spent flowers and seed heads from the lotus plants and cut the stems down to about 10" above the water. The reason for this is that the lotus stems are hollow and if you should cut down the stems beneath the water level, you will drown the plant. If you have smaller lotus, leave about 5" of the stem above the water.
• The lotus will reappear in the spring when the weather and water warm up.

Indoor method:

• Bring the container into a garage or basement where it is cool but unlikely to freeze.
• Be sure the container has some water in it as the tubers should not be allowed to dry out.
• A dark area is great as you do not want the lotus to sprout early. Optimal temperature would be 35 to 50 degrees. If it is warm and sunny the tubers will sprout early expending all the stored energy and weakening the plant.
• Place outside in full sun again well after the last chance of a hard freeze.

Harvest and store tubers:

• If you would like to harvest your tubers and store them indoors over the winter, start by gently turning your lotus pot upside down and hose off the roots and tubers until the soil is washed away.
• Sort through the roots and tubers and choose tubers with at least two growing tips.
• Mix one gallon of water with one tablespoon of bleach and soak the new tubers for about an hour.
• Remove from bleach water and store cool and dry.

*Lotus tubers can be stored in the crisper of your refrigerator for a number of months, but do be sure to check on them and provide an additional dip if any mold or mildew begins to grow.