Will hardy water lilies break dormancy unplanted?

[Joshaeus]

Hi everyone! Here's my question...will hardy water lilies break dormancy if they are not planted? Since I have an above ground container pond, I will need to put my Indiana water lily in the fridge this fall - sans pot - to overwinter it, and move it back outside in spring. I was wondering if I could start the lily in a brightly lit aquarium about a month prior to planting time so that it would have a head start when I put it outside, but that would be difficult if it needed to be planted to break dormancy. Thanks

 

[Tula]

Hmmmmmm, interesting question....I'll be interested to see what others say.

Does your above ground pond freeze solid? I'm wondering if you kept your planted lily in your pond with a bubbler or small pump if it would survive?

 

[Joshaeus]

Hmmmmmm, interesting question....I'll be interested to see what others say.

Does your above ground pond freeze solid? I'm wondering if you kept your planted lily in your pond with a bubbler or small pump if it would survive?

I have never kept one outside over the winter, but I live in zone 6 and we get substantial amounts of snow during the winter...so, likely.

 

[AlyssaFish]

It sounds like you're asking if it needs to be in a pot of soil to break dormancy, versus just sitting in a tub of water?

My guess is that exposure to light, water, and heat is what will wake it up. I would be surprised if soil was required.

 

[Joshaeus]

It sounds like you're asking if it needs to be in a pot of soil to break dormancy, versus just sitting in a tub of water?

My guess is that exposure to light, water, and heat is what will wake it up. I would be surprised if soil was required.

Bingo Thanks.