Flowers seeds - Red Hot Poker ,Perennial

Kniphofia uvaria — Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily — is a stately South African native perennial delivering one of the most dramatic flower displays in any garden. Multi-colored spikes rise 36–48 inches above long, dagger-like leaves, with florets that open bright red at the top, transition to orange in the middle, and mature to yellow at the base — giving each spike a lit-torch effect. Hummingbirds are irresistibly attracted to the tubular florets. Drought tolerant once established. Very few pest or disease problems.

Plant Highlights

• Dramatic 36–48-inch flower spikes in red, orange, and yellow — the classic “torch” effect
• Outstanding hummingbird magnet — tubular florets perfectly suited for hummingbird feeding
• Native to South Africa; drought tolerant once established
• Long summer bloom season; deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering
• Very few pest or disease problems
• USDA Zones 5–9 (mulch required in colder zones)

Sowing Guide

Cold pre-treatment (required): Dampen a paper towel, wring out excess, and place seeds on the towel. Roll it up, place in a zip-lock bag, and refrigerate for 4 weeks before sowing.

Indoor start: After cold treatment, sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date. Use sterile potting mix in peat pots. Barely cover seeds with peat moss. Keep consistently moist.

Transplanting: Move outdoors when seedlings are about 2 inches tall. To protect the developing taproot, plant the entire peat pot directly into the garden without removing it. Space plants 18–24 inches apart.

Direct sowing: Can be direct sown outdoors after the last frost. Add a little compost to improve drainage. Sow in groups of 3–4 seeds, 18–24 inches apart; thin to the strongest plant.

Care Guide

Light: Full sun required.

Soil: Well-drained; any average soil with good drainage. Do not allow to sit in wet soil — crown rot risk.

Spacing: 18–24 inches — plants may spread to 3 feet over time.

Watering: Water during hot, dry periods; tolerates drought once established.

Winter care (cold zones): Mulch plants well to protect roots from freezing. Some gardeners also tie foliage together to prevent rain from collecting in the crown, or cut foliage back in late fall.

Deadheading: Remove spent blooms regularly to keep the plant blooming all summer.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily
• Botanical name: Kniphofia uvaria
• Type: Perennial (native to South Africa)
• Bloom: Red/orange/yellow tri-colored spikes; tubular florets
• Bloom time: Summer (deadhead for continuous bloom)
• Height: 36–48 inches
• USDA Zones: 5–9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained; any average soil
• Spacing: 18–24 inches | Cold pre-treatment: 4 weeks refrigeration required
• Attracts: Hummingbirds