Growing Lotus in a Tub

Select a cement or plastic garden tub that is at least 18 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Position your tub in or near your pond edge before you fill it, because it may be difficult to move more than a short distance when filled.

Plant your lotus tubers in early to mid spring, after the threat of frost has passed. Lotus tubers need warmth to establish roots or runners in the soil.

Spread a layer of pea gravel or pebbles along the bottom of your tub. Fill the tub, allowing at least 2 inches of head space, with a soil mixture of half fertile garden soil and half potting soil. Mix in a shovelful of compost or well-rotted manure.

Excavate a planting hole near the center of your tub. Position your lotus tuber at a nearly horizontal angle in the hole, keeping the root side down and the leaf-producing lotus eye or bud end upward.

Cover the tuber with about 2 inches of the soil mixture. Leave the lotus eye or bud end uncovered. Take care not to damage the fragile eye during planting.

Insert up to six commercial lotus fertilizer tablets into the soil. Lotus tubers will feed heavily in an effort to become established in their new home.

Spread a layer of pea gravel atop the soil to minimize soil leakage when the tub is submerged. Keep the bud end exposed.

Position your lotus tub in the water so about 3 inches of water cover the top. Place two or more fist-sized garden rocks atop the gravel to help hold down the tub.

Add a fertilizer tablet each month to feed your growing lotus. Remove the tub before the first freeze, and store it in a location at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months.