Kniphofia Red-Hot-Poker Seeds

Useful gardening information

Kniphofia, commonly known as red-hot poker or torch lily, is an upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial that is native to South Africa. From an 18-24" tall basal tuft of coarse, linear, sword-shaped, semi-evergreen, bluish-green leaves (to 3' long and 1" wide) arises a succession of thick, naked flower scapes (typically to 3-4' tall) with dense terminal racemes (6-10" long) of drooping, tubular flowers.
Buds and emerging flowers are red but mature to yellow, giving each spike a two-toned appearance. Flowers bloom from late spring to early summer.

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers rich, humusy soils. Intolerant of wet, heavy soils. Locate in areas protected from wind. Promptly remove spent flower spikes.
Crowns benefit from winter protection in USDA Zones 5 and 6 (mulch or tie leaves together forming a canopy over the crown so as to prevent water from settling on the crown and freezing). Established clumps are best left undisturbed.

Seed starting information: ( please note that instructions are specific to this species and are not on seed packets, please refer back to this page for seed germination instructions )

Kniphofia seeds need a cold-treatment before sowing. Dampen a paper towel, wring out excess moisture and carefully place the flower seeds on the damp towel. Roll up the towel, place it in a ziploc bag and place in refrigerator for 4 weeks.

After the cold-treatment, sow the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out, using sterile potting mix and peat pots.
Barely cover the seeds with peat moss and keep flower seed moist. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are about 2 inches tall. In order not to hurt the growing tap root, plant the entire peat pot into the garden.
Or, sow seeds directly outside. If planting outside, add a little bit of compost to ensure good soil drainage.
Sow the seeds in groups of 3 to 4, spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Thin to the strongest plant.

3721 Flamenco ( Knipofia uvaria )

An old fashioned flower, also known as red-hot-poker. Flamenco plants will flower the first year even though a perennial to zone 5. The flower spikes contain tubular blooms that are attractive to hummingbirds. The mature plants may grow three feet tall. Peak flowering performance begins in July of the second year. Tall stems are strong but not bulky. Grows 30 inches tall.
Tall and vibrant, these really do add a shock of color to the garden. Flowering in the late summer and early autumn they complement the autumnal colour of other garden plants as well as the natural light for that time of year; early morning and late afternoon they 'glow' as if they were flaming torches.

JB148 Red Hot Poker ( Knipofia uvaria )

This stately perennial flower is also known as Torch Lily. Kniphofia Torch Lily is native to South Africa, and it provides a dramatic display of multi-colored flower spikes that will reach 36 - 48 inches in height on top of long, dagger like leaves. The Torch Lily flower will start bright red, turn orange and mature to yellow. Hummingbirds love this plant with its tubular florets!
Red Hot Poker, with its sweet nectar and bright orange flowers will attract bees and butterflies, and will bring in many different birds to your garden!
A perennial for zones 5-10, will grow 36-48 inches tall.

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