Things You'll Need:
- Shovel
- Compost or decayed manure
- Peat moss
- Kniphofia bulbs
- Water
- Complete plant food
- Pruning shears
- Gardening gloves
- Straw
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Step 1
Select the site for the kniphofia. These flowers do not do well with frequent transplanting, so be sure to select their final location before planting. They need full sunlight all day. They tolerate poorer soils, but do best in soil that has good drainage. Dig up the soil, remove rocks and other garden debris and mix in compost or decayed manure and peat moss several weeks before planting for best results.
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Step 2
Plant the kniphofia from bulbs in the early spring. Plant the bulbs 3-inches deep. Fill the hole with soil and tamp down gently to remove air bubbles. Water to settle the soil. Depending upon the size of the mature plant, space the bulbs anywhere from 12 to 30 inches apart.
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Step 3
Water the kniphofia regularly, especially during periods of prolonged drought. However, be careful not to overwater, as this plant is susceptible to root rot if allowed to stay wet.
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Step 4
Watch for the kniphofia to bloom beginning in early summer and continuing through the fall. Apply a complete plant food in the spring. Other than damage from excessive watering, this plant has no known problems with pests or diseases and is easy to care for once established. Prune off spent stems immediately and clean up any dead leaves. Protect the crowns during the winter with a layer of straw.
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Step 5
Propagate only from well-established kniphofia by dividing the clumps in the spring. Dig up the clumps and cut off half of the foliage in order for the roots to establish successfully. Spacing is determined according to the size of the mature plant, but it can be anywhere from 12 to 30 inches. Water to settle the soil.
