Growing Flamenco Kniphofia Garden Seeds
- Taxonomy: Kniphofia uvaria
- Other Names: Torch Lily, Red Hot Poker, Tritomea
- Seed Type: Perennial
- Sow Indoors or Outdoors: Flamenco kniphofia seeds may be sown directly after the frost but, for earliest blooms, begin seeds 8 – 10 weeks prior. Kniphofia is slow to germinate, requiring 21 – 28 days in full lighting. Harden off seedlings to a sunny spot in the garden or an equally bright place if potting indoors.
- Days to Maturity: 112 – 126 days
- Hardiness Zone: 5 – 10
- Planting Depth: Plant 3 – 4 seeds ¼” deep
- Plant Spacing: 24”
- Growth Habit: 36 – 48” tall bushy upright 24 – 36” wide teeming with exotic, one-of-a-kind tubular-shaped “torch” blooms on the end of robust stalks
- Soil Preference: Organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained
- Light Preference: Full sun
- Diseases/Pests/Troubleshooting: Flamenco kniphofia is a vigorous full sun performer and known to tolerate gardens prone to drought. Do not overwater as plants will perform poorly in oversaturated gardens which can lead to root rot. Flamenco plants benefit from midday shade in regions with excessive heat. Kniphofia has no serious pests or diseases, but thrips may appear in some regions.
- Color: A unique and gradient fiery red “poker” bloom and bright greens
Flamenco kniphofia seeds may be sown directly after the frost but, for earliest blooms, begin seeds 8 – 10 weeks prior. Kniphofia is slow to germinate, requiring 21 – 28 days in full lighting. Harden off seedlings to a sunny spot in the garden or an equally bright place if potting indoors. Plant 3 – 4 Flamenco kniphofia seeds ¼” deep and 24” apart in organically rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Flamenco kniphofia is a vigorous full sun performer and known to tolerate gardens prone to drought. Do not overwater as plants will perform poorly in oversaturated gardens which can lead to root rot. Flamenco plants benefit from midday shade in regions with excessive heat. Kniphofia has no serious pests or diseases, but thrips may appear in some regions. Flamenco kniphofia seeds mature 112 – 126 days as 36 – 48” tall bushy uprights 24 – 36” wide and teeming with exotic fiery red tubular-shaped “torch” blooms on the end of robust stalks.
Kniphofia uvaria, or more commonly known as Torch Lily or Red Hot Poker, is native to Cape Province of South Africa and has naturalized in many similar regions along the Atlantic Ocean including Australia, New Zealand, and Pantagonia. Kniphofia uvaria has since become a world famous domesticated bloom famous amongst home gardeners throughout Europe and North America. Torch Lily is a 1999 All-American Selections Flower Winner and noted by AAS judges for its “red hot poker blooms” and for being a hardy perennial “with peak performance in its second year.”