You can definitely get seeds from red hot pokers! Red hot pokers, also known as Kniphofia, produce beautiful and vibrant flowers that can add a stunning touch to any garden. Collecting seeds from these plants can be a rewarding experience and a great way to propagate new plants.
To start, it is important to wait until the flower spike has finished blooming and all the florets have dropped off. This usually happens in late summer or early autumn. Once this occurs, you can proceed with collecting the seeds.
First, use a pair of clean and sharp garden shears to cut off the entire stem that held the flower spike. This will allow you to easily handle the seed pods without damaging them. It’s important to note that red hot pokers produce long and sturdy stems, so you may need to use a pair of loppers or a small saw if the stems are thick.
After cutting off the stem, you can proceed to the next step, which is drying the seed pods. Lay the pods out in a well-ventilated and dry area, such as a table or a tray. It is crucial to ensure that the pods are spread out and not touching each other to prevent mold or moisture buildup. Let them dry for at least 24 hours, or until the pods are crisp and brittle to the touch.
Once the pods are dry, it’s time to extract the seeds. Hold a seed pod over a dish or a container to catch the small seeds as they fall out. Gently break open the seed pod using your fingers or a small tool, being careful not to crush the seeds in the process. The seeds are typically small and dark brown or black in color.
To ensure the best chances of successful germination, it is recommended to sow the red hot poker seeds immediately after harvesting them. Fill a seed tray or small pots with well-draining potting soil and lightly press the seeds into the soil surface. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the tray or pots in a warm and bright location. Red hot poker seeds typically germinate within 2-4 weeks, but it’s important to be patient as some varieties may take longer.
Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and have developed several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for planting, as red hot pokers thrive in full sun and prefer soil that is not overly wet.
Collecting seeds from red hot pokers is a relatively simple process that involves letting the florets drop from the flower spike, cutting off the stem, drying the seed pods, and extracting the small seeds. With a little patience and care, you can successfully grow new red hot poker plants from these seeds and enjoy their vibrant blooms year after year.