Kniphofia
uvaria, commonly known as red-hot poker or torch lily, is an upright,
clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial that is native to the Cape Province of 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. Common names refer
to the purported resemblance of each flower spike to a red hot poker or torch.
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 Fastzing).
Established clumps are best left undisturbed. Garden Uses. Specimen, small
groups or mass in the perennial border. Great for small garden spaces. Hardy in
zones 5-9.
Growing
Instructions
The
seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or
winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter
conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
1.
Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator
for 1 month.
2.
The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Fill a pot with a mixture of half potting soil and
half sand or vermiculite.
3.
Sow the seeds on the soil and barely cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4.
Water the container.
5.
Put the pot in a warm, sunny area.
6.
Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
7.
The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.
Mason (verified owner) –
So far so good!
Dylan (verified owner) –
I would absolutely recommend this seed to anyone looking to grow veggies this year. I decided to do starts this year and just three days after planting
Dominic (verified owner) –
WOW!! Not one dud in the bunch!! Shortly after planting they started growing ! These are really great packet of seeds!!!
Nicholas (verified owner) –
These seeds came right up and started producing squash. Can’t ask for more than that.
Owen (verified owner) –
Easy to grow beautiful