is it too late to fertilize lotus?

[mrsclem]

I have 12 young lotus started from seed this year currently in a 500 gallon section of my pond that has about 1200gph running thru it. Need to move the plants out so I can use the space for my fish for sale. Going to put them in a kiddy pool which is going to change the water level again. Last time I changed the water level, I lost 6 plants. I have leaves above the water level on these plants. My question is, once I move these plants back to the deeper water, should I fertilize them or is it too late in the year? My potted lotus put up 5 buds this year, 2 bloomed and the other 3 dried out. I saw a huge bud last week but of course it bloomed while we were on vacation! Hoping for some seeds. Would like to make sure these plants make it thru the winter so do I fertilize or just wait till spring?

 

[addy1]

I have not fertilized mine this year, they have been growing great and flowering.
They are hungry plants, I doubt fertilizing would hurt them, since you are moving them it might help them handle the water level change. I am trying to remember what month they start dieing back, think it is september.

As long as the tuber does not freeze they should do fine over winter.