Went to JJ a month or so ago to buy water lillies for my pond. Lady sold me all kinds and all colours (seeds) for about 400 baht with the comment " dont put too much in now, they grow very quick"

Well, 4- 6 weeks later, and even trying to raise some in a canister.....no such luck....

would appreciate advice. thx.

I've only ever bought bulbs but it is possible to grow from seed. Mine self-sow and I always have tons of little bulblets floating on the top of the pond, so it is possible. Found this advice on germinating lily seeds:

Growing Water Lily from Seeds (Nymphaeaceae Family)

We fully realize that growing from seed can be an interesting and inexpensive way for people to get started as compared with buying rhizomes or plants. Seeds can be sprouted in warm water and potted individually, we prefer to plant them before they sprout.

The number of seeds determines container size, everything from small pots to dish pans to small ponds. Put a layer of soil in the bottom, add water to the brim, level and compact the soil once it has settled from filling with water. We then distribute the seeds as evenly as possible over the soil and drizzle a thin layer of white sand through the water over the seeds. This helps to anchor them and to see them as they sprout. Adding water after putting the seeds are put in can dislodge them, as can placing the container in a pond.

When seedlings have made several floating leaves in smaller containers, we carefully dig them up and pot them individually. In small ponds designed for seedlings we let plants grow to blooming stage and then remove them, either to propagate or discard, making more space for still developing seedlings.

--Southwest botanicals.com

I've only ever bought bulbs but it is possible to grow from seed. Mine self-sow and I always have tons of little bulblets floating on the top of the pond, so it is possible. Found this advice on germinating lily seeds:

Growing Water Lily from Seeds (Nymphaeaceae Family)

We fully realize that growing from seed can be an interesting and inexpensive way for people to get started as compared with buying rhizomes or plants. Seeds can be sprouted in warm water and potted individually, we prefer to plant them before they sprout.

The number of seeds determines container size, everything from small pots to dish pans to small ponds. Put a layer of soil in the bottom, add water to the brim, level and compact the soil once it has settled from filling with water. We then distribute the seeds as evenly as possible over the soil and drizzle a thin layer of white sand through the water over the seeds. This helps to anchor them and to see them as they sprout. Adding water after putting the seeds are put in can dislodge them, as can placing the container in a pond.

When seedlings have made several floating leaves in smaller containers, we carefully dig them up and pot them individually. In small ponds designed for seedlings we let plants grow to blooming stage and then remove them, either to propagate or discard, making more space for still developing seedlings.

--Southwest botanicals.com

Thanks,

I jsut dumped them in water, and added some fertilizer as the lady told me. Did not know needed soil and warm water.