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Kniphofia uvaria
(ni-PHO-fia)
Common Name: Red Hot Poker, Tritoma
Also commonly known as Genus, Tritoma
Family: Liliaceae

Native to southern or eastern Africa. Flowers usually reddish-orange, but hybrids can be yellow or even pink. They are produced on leafless stems which arise from a rhizomatous plant with grass-like leaves. Stems can range from 10 inches to 4 feet in height. The poker like head (raceme) consists of drooping overlapping flowers 1 to 2 inches long. Flowers toward the tip tend to be a deeper red than older lower flowers giving the appearance of a glowing poker, hence the common name. Spikes are usually sold in bunches of 5.

Development at harvest. Harvest when almost all florets are showing color, but before older florets loose vibrancy. Flowers are subject to geotropic bending and should be shipped in a vertical position.

Lasting qualities. Flowers are sensitive to ethylene. Properly conditioned flowers can last up to 10 days.

Storage. Store dry in upright container at 36 F for up to four days

Consumer care. Keep in a cool spot away from sun drafts and sources of ethylene, such as ripening fruit. Spray misting the racemes may prolong vase life. Properly conditioned flowers should last 7 to 10 days.

Hydration. Flowers should be preconditioned in STS. Recut stems 2 to 3 inches from base and submerge up to raceme in cool preservative solution before storing at 36 F.

Preservative . Preservative solutions are beneficial.

Flower protection. To protect racemes wrap flower head in cellophane.

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