| Common Name | Kniphofia, Red Hot Pokers, Torch Lily, Poker Plant |
| Genus | Kniphofia |
| Species | hybrid |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Tray Size | 32 |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant out or bump up into larger pots soon after receiving plugs. When planting out be sure you to not bury the crowns. Plant the plugs so that the top of the growing medium is level with the soil. |
| Netting / Staking | Not Necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Hardiness zones 6-9 (Possible survival in zone 4,5) |
| Spacing | 18-24" |
| Soil Preference | This plant is quite forgiving when it comes to soil structure and quality, but performs best in well draining soil of average fertility. They will not survive in soggy conditions or standing water. Once established it is fairly drought tolerant but should ideally be irrigated regularly, with the soil drying out moderately between waterings. Amend soil prior to planting with compost and granular fertilizer for best results. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral plants. Plant in full sun. Light afternoon shade is tolerated in hot climates. |
| Pinching | Do not pinch. |
| When to Plant | Spring is the best time to plant Kniphofia plugs as this will give them time to establish and bloom in the summer of the first year before going dormant at the end of fall. However they can be planted through summer and will establish before the winter weather sets in, with the first blooms coming the following season. |
| Harvesting | Harvest the inflorescence when the bottom 1/3 of the flowers are open. Buds will continue to open in the vase. Deadhead flowers that you don't plan to use as a cut - if the plant is left to set seed production will suffer. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into cool water. Expect a vase life of approximately a week. Older flowers will die and be shed but buds continue to open after cutting. The use of a floral preservative will help maximize vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | No major pests or diseases to note. |
| Bailey's Notes |
If you're looking to add something exotic to your landscape or floral creations, look no further than Kniphofia. These plants are quick growing and form substantial, grassy clumps with towering flower spikes that are irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. These beauties can manage drought conditions but will be more floriferous with regular irrigation. In late fall in warm areas, tie the leaves into a canopy over the crown to prevent water from accumulating in the center of the plant over winter. The standing water can cause the crown to rot. In the spring cut the foliage back to 3" from the ground to clean up the plant and allow new foliage to emerge. In cold regions cut back the foliage in late fall instead. |
| Resources | Growing Kniphofia |
