Nymphaea alba WHITE WATER LILY (15 seeds)

white water lily, Nymphaea alba in Latin, is a beautiful hardy aquatic plant resembling the lotus. Native to Eurasia, this perennial herbaceous plant belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. It is often associated with purity, serenity, and beauty, representing a powerful symbol in many cultures, particularly within spiritual concepts.

Nymphaea alba seeds are small compared to those of the lotus; they are round, smooth, and black in color. They measure 2 millimeters in diameter and weigh a few decigrams.

Its leaves are rounded, floating, and measure approximately 15 cm in diameter.

The flowers are solitary, white, and bloom on the water's surface during the summer period.

Its root is a large rhizome, similar to that of the white lotus, which develops year after year.

- Use:

It is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant for the beauty of its blooms, which adorn ponds and water features, creating a relaxing atmosphere. It contributes to water quality by helping filter pollutants and absorbing nutrients, which helps regulate algae growth.

In traditional medicine, its flower, boiled in water, is used to combat skin redness. It provides many benefits to the skin due to its mucilage and high vitamin C content. Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

- Sowing and Seed Germination:

• The ideal period to sow white water lily is starting in May.
• Sow the seeds in a pot perforated with small holes using a well-draining substrate and sand to prevent the soil from floating to the surface when submerged.
• Bury the seeds under 0.5 cm of substrate, then add water progressively.
• Germination will begin 3 to 5 weeks after planting.
• Once the plants are well-developed, place them in water in a frost-free location during their first year.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Use a substrate of equal parts garden soil and sand. Also, add a few clay pebbles to the mix and at the bottom of the pot.

- Exposure / Light:

Place the pot in a full sun position in the pond to ensure proper flowering.

- Cultivation Temperature / Hardiness:

It grows very well in temperatures ranging between 20 and 30°C. It is very hardy and will easily withstand winter temperatures. It is important to plant it deep enough (at least 50 to 80 cm deep) so that its root system remains below the frost line.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

There are two effective ways to reproduce it: either by sowing seeds or by dividing its rhizomes in early spring.

- Maintenance:

Be sure to cut back yellowing leaves and faded flowers starting at the end of summer.