Red-Hot Poker Torch Lily Kniphofia uvaria 100 Seeds USA Company

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 freezing). 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.