Technical guide

Usage

Evergreen perennial for border and bedding, cut flowers

Sow time

January-May for flowering in pots from July onwards, June-August for flowering in pots the following year

Sowing method

2-3 seeds per plug, can be sown directly in final pots (4-6 seeds)

Germination

Germinates in 14-20 days at 65-72 °F (18-22 °C). Light is required for germination. During Stage II, maintain temperatures of 65-68 °F (18-20 °C). During Stages II and IV, gradually reduce temperature to 58-62 °F (14-16 °C).

Growing on

Transplant plugs after 8 weeks. Grow on at of 60 °F (15 °C) in a well-drained, humus, loamy medium. Vernalization is not required for flowering

Media

Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. bark, wood fibres), 1,5-2 kg/m³ complete balanced fertilizer, 2-3 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.2. Field: humus sandy soils, with a good drainage and the soil should warm up quickly. Standard fertilization: 60-80 g/m² of a slow release fertilizer.

Temperature

Grow at 15 °C or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoors a fleece cover or mulch cover with straw (20 cm) is needed. In spring the plants start to grow at 12-15 °C and long day. A chilling period for flower initiation is not required, but with a chilling period the flowering is more uniform and full. Kniphofia can also be made to flower 2-4 weeks earlier in the poly-tunnel.

Fertilization

High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 3 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer in substrate), using alternating a complete balanced fertilizer and calcium nitrate fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium levels. Don’t fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize with 100-150 ppm nitrogen of a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K₂O-ratio: 1:1,5). Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,05 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 100-150 g/m² of a slow release fertilizer per year, applied in several portions.