Red Hot Poker is native to South Africa, and is also known as Torch Lily. Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and many different birds love the tubular florets for its sweet nectar. These flowers start bright red, then turn orange and mature to yellow.

Plant indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. Or, start directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed.

Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil.

• You have two options for planting seeds: Sow them directly into the garden, after the risk of frost has passed, by covering the seeds lightly with peat moss. Alternatively, start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the average last frost date in spring.
• The seeds need a cold-treatment prior to sowing. To do this dampen a paper towel, wring out excess moisture and carefully place the flower seeds on the damp towel. Roll up the towel, place it in a ziploc bag and put it in refrigerator for 4 weeks. After the cold-treatment, sow seeds using sterile potting mix and peat pots.
• Plant 3 - 4 seeds per cell or plant.
• Once seedlings sprout, ensure they receive plenty of light by placing them on a sunny windowsill or positioning them 3-4 inches below fluorescent plant lights that are switched on for 16 hours daily and off for 8 hours at night. Adjust the lights as the plants grow taller. Avoid using incandescent bulbs as they generate excessive heat. Remember, most plants need a period of darkness to thrive, so do not keep the lights on for 24 hours.
• Transplant into garden when temperatures are consistently warm.
• Before transplanting seedlings into the garden, it's essential to "harden them off". This involves acclimating young plants to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered outdoor area for about a week. Initially, shield them from strong winds and direct sunlight. If there's a risk of frost overnight, either cover the plants or bring them indoors, then return them outside in the morning. This hardening off method helps strengthen the plant's cell structure, minimizing transplant shock and sun damage.
• Space plants 18 - 24 inches apart in garden.

• Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
• Mulches play a vital role in preserving soil moisture and ensuring consistent soil temperatures. When it comes to annuals, using organic mulch made from shredded leaves not only enhances the appearance of the bed but also enriches the soil as it decomposes over time. Remember to keep mulch away from the plant stems to avoid potential rot issues.
• Red Hot Poker will survive periods of drought, but will do better if they are given water during hot weather.
• In the colder zones Red Hot Poker is not very winter tolerant, so the plants will need to be mulched to protect the roots from the cold. Some people also recommend tying the foliage together to help keep the rain from collecting in the crown. Another option is to cut the foliage off in the late fall.
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage the plant to bloom all summer long.