Guide to growing garden plants - Kniphofia Torch Lily
The genus Kniphofia contains hardy perennials that reach from 60cm to 120cm in height.
They have grassy leaves, that give rise to long stems with a head of downward facing tubes of flowers.
These flowers are orange, yellow or green and Kniphofia blooms from Summer to Autumn. Some of the common names for Kniphofia are Torch Lily and Red Hot Poker.
How to grow Torch lily
Torch Lily and other Kniphofia can be grown either from seeds or Rhizomes. The seed should be sown at a depth of 6mm before the last frost of spring; the rhizomes should be planted about 6 to 7cm deep in either spring or autumn. They prefer to grow in sunny parts of the garden but may require partial shade in very hot areas. Torch lilies should be grown in a soil that is rich and deep; ideally the pH should be 6 to 7.5.
If you prefer to start torch lilies off inside then they should be prepared about 6 to 7 weeks before they are due to be planted out; either in the autumn or after the last frost of spring. Torch lilies take from one to four weeks to germinate at a temperature of 21 to 23 degrees Centigrade.
Caring for Torch Lily and other Kniphofia plants
Although Kniphofia are pretty easy to look after it is important not to disturb them to often; if you require more plants then they can be divided in the spring time, but do not do this more often than every 5 years. While growing torch lilies should be watered regularly until the buds have set. Following flowering the stems should be cut back to their base.