Red Hot Poker Seeds
a.k.a. Tritoma, Torch Lily
Kniphofia uvaria, K. caulescens
How to plant Red Hot Poker seedsRed hot poker flowers attract hummingbirds and provide excellent cut flowers. Plants are heat tolerant, and deer resistant.
How to Plant and Grow Red Hot Poker
Plant Red Hot Poker Seeds: Sow seed 6-8 weeks before planting out, use a deep container to avoid disturbing the tap root. Barely cover. Light aids germination. Kept at 70-75° F., germination is in 21-28 days. Can direct sow into prepared seed beds, in groups of 3-4 seeds, spaced 1-1.5 ft. apart. Thin to the strongest plant.
Grow Red Hot Poker: Full sun or part shade, moderate to regular water. Will tolerate wet soils in summer, in winter soil must be well-drained. Flowers open from bottom to top, changing colors as they age. Hummingbirds love them and they are excellent for cutting. Tie foliage together in fall where winter temperatures drop below 0° F. Flowers the first year when started early. Plants are heat tolerant, and will resist deer and rabbits.