South Africa is home to Torch Lilies, or Red Hot Pokers. They thrive in U.S. zones 6-9. With winter protection, you can grow them in zone 5.
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Red hot poker rhizomes spread easily. When introduced, they naturalise and become invasive in southern Australia and southern California.
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Because of their size, red hot pokers should be planted 18–24 inches apart. Plant dwarf varieties together or in pots.Red hot pokers prefer full sun but tolerate shade.
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The warmer parts of its range benefit from afternoon shade. If the soil is well-drained, the plants will grow. They get crown rot in wet soils. Ideally, pH is neutral to slightly acidic.
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Grow red hot pokers from seed. Let the flowers die and seed for the easiest method. Next spring, the seed will germinate after falling. Cold weather is needed for germinating.
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You must cold stratify seeds to start them indoors. Wrap seeds in a damp paper towel 10–12 weeks before frost. Keep the paper towel moist in a plastic bag. Store the bag in the fridge for 4 weeks.
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Remove seeds from paper towel and surface sow in peat pots or biodegradable containers after 4 weeks. Very little soil covers the seeds. Put your pots on a heat mat to maintain 70°F.
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After 2 inches, seedlings can be planted in your garden. To protect the fragile new rhizome, plant the entire peat pot. Seedlings should be 18–24 inches apart. Second-year growth will produce flowers.
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