question about transplanting lotus tubers

[djkarl]

Hi.  Last winter I tried overwintering my lotus tubers inside, but they all died.  This last fall, after the plants died down,  I left them all in their pots and submerged them in a friend's pond.  Do I need to divide up and replant the tubers before I see any sign of leaves coming to the surface?  I know I'm supposed to avoid breaking off little shoots, or the tuber dies, right?  When should I divide and replant?  The last official frost date in central Ohio is May 15, if that means anything.

Thanks.

[JoshS]

If you are going to divide, then yes, it needs to be done before you see growth.  My last frost date is mid May, too, and early-mid May is usually about when I see the first sprouts break the soil.  I would divide as soon as you can get to your plants.  Early-mid April will probably work.  I've tried dividing in late April, but it was tricky because the tubers had already sprouted.

[djkarl]

Thanks, Josh.

[bunny56lbc]

I live in Ohio too , I divide my lotus's around the middle of March . If I wait until April , it's too late .

bonnie