Growth Conditions: When the bulbs start to sprout (notice that the lotus bulbs will have buds growing out), plants them in the soil by digging a hole about 5cm deep. Place the bulbs in the hole so that the nutrient content is under the soil and the bulbs are slighty above the soil. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. It will start to sprout after about 20-25 days and will flower around July-October.