How to Plant Kniphofia Bulbs

Kniphofia, or Torch Lily, bulbs usually produce a tall cone of tube-like flowers in bright red, but flowers can range from cream, yellow, apricot and orange to light green. The plant flowers from summer to early autumn, but the flowering season may extend with continual deadheading of spent blooms. Kniphofia can grow up to three feet. It is considered a hardy bulb and thrives in zones five through nine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Select an area of your garden that gets full to partial sun for planting Kniphofia bulbs.

2. Check that the soil is rich with organic matter, such as peat or manure, but also that it drains well. Add a little sand to aid drainage if the soil clumps too easily.

3. Dig holes approximately three inches deep.

4. Set one Kniphofia bulb in each hole with the crown of the bulb protruding from the hole. Generally the crown of the bulb is the pointy end.

5. Cover the hole but leave the crown of the bulb exposed.

6. Water well after planting and during the first few weeks. The Kniphofia bulb is tolerant of drier soil than most bulbs once it is well established.

7. Add an evenly balanced fertilizer in winter after flowering stops.

8. Cut all foliage off after flowering stops. Allow the bulb to stay in the ground during the winter months.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant Kniphofia bulbs in early spring for best results.