If you already have one or two torch lilies in your garden, you can easily multiply them. We will introduce you two simple methods.
The torch lily (Kniphofia) belongs to the asphodel plants. There are now more than 70 species, including dwarf forms. It is characterized, among other things, by its attractive colors. Because the flowers form flares of rich red, orange, and yellow, the plant is highly sought after by gardeners worldwide. If you want to decorate your whole garden with it or want to get several subspecies, you can possibly spend a small fortune on this. So it's no wonder that more and more gardeners prefer to propagate the plant themselves, to spread it on their own property, or to give it away to other enthusiasts. But what is the best way to propagate torch lilies?
Why should you propagate the torch lily?
Many gardeners and lovers of the torch lily particularly appreciate the colorful flower, which differs greatly from other garden flowers, especially in its shape. In addition, the torch lily grows very densely in summer and blooms over a longer period of time, making it a real eye-catcher in the garden. In addition, it is a perennial and hardy plant that, depending on the variety, is also green in winter and can bring a little color to the rather dreary garden. Its growth height of up to 80 centimeters also convinces many garden lovers, as the torch lily can decorate even a very large garden area without looking lost.
More reasons to propagate torch lilies:
➪ The plants are quite easy to care for.
➪ They will be rewarded with a magnificent bloom every year.
➪ Most varieties are hardy and evergreen.
➪ The foliage alone is also considered attractive.
➪ They can be used as an alternative to the hedge as a privacy screen (depending on the species).
➪ You can save money this way.
➪ The torch lily also stands a nice gift to other hobby gardeners and enthusiasts.
How to propagate the torch lily?
Would you like to propagate your torch lily to use in your own garden orYou have two options for planting in pots or even giving away torch lilies to friends and acquaintances. On the one hand, you can multiply the torch lily by sowing its seeds in the classic way. On the other hand, you can also easily share them, which may save some time. In the following, we would like to briefly explain how to proceed with both options.
Share torch lily
If you want to multiply your torch lily easily, you can easily divide it. This is particularly useful for plants whose properties you would like to preserve. Because by dividing you get plant offshoots with the same properties as the mother plant. Since these have the same genetic material as the mother plant, they are also referred to as pure offshoots.
… And this is how it works
➛ Step 1: Expose root ball
It is best to divide your torch lily directly at the root in spring or autumn. For this it is necessary to uncover the root ball, which is quite deep in the ground.
Tip: Excavating part of the root ball can be enough, but digging up the entire plant is a better way to divide it.
➛ Step 2: Divide the root ball
In the next step you will need a sharp knife with which you can divide the root ball and thus obtain several offshoots. But make sure that the offshoots have a sufficient root system to be able to take care of themselves and spread.
Tip: To prevent the root balls from drying out during this procedure, you can wrap the offshoots with their roots in damp kitchen paper until you plant them.
➛ Step 3: Plant mother plant and cuttings
If you have divided the mother plant, you should immediately put it back into the ground. If you also want to plant the offshoots, you have to find a suitable location for them. Ideally, the plants should get plenty of sun and be protected at the same time. Here you dig a planting hole and loosen the soil in and around the planting hole to make it more permeable and to avoid waterlogging. You can then place the offshoot in the planting hole and fill it up with substrate.
Tip: If you add mature compost to the substrate, you do not need any additional fertilizer for the offshoots.
Of course you can also give the offshoots as gifts. In this case you can cut the offshoots into sufficiently large onesPlant planters with nutrient-rich substrate.
Propagating torch lily by seed
Another way to propagate a torch lily is by sowing seeds. You need to know that seeds that you have collected yourself will only germinate if they are stored in a cool place immediately after harvesting. For example, you can put them in a freezer bag and keep them in the fridge until next spring.
Tip: If you don't yet own a torch lily from which you can get seeds, you can get them in stores.
You can sow the seeds from spring to autumn. To do this, fill a flat container with a nutrient-rich substrate. Simply place the seeds on this potting soil and press lightly.
You should ideally place the seed tray at a temperature of around 20 degrees in a bright (but not sunny) location. If you keep the substrate evenly moist, the seeds will start to germinate after about two to four weeks.
Tip: Avoid waterlogging.
Once the seedlings have formed four to six leaves, you can plant them individually in small planters and keep them evenly moist. They stay here and gather strength until you can plant them outdoors the following spring.
Advantages and disadvantages of torch lilies when propagating
Advantages
✔ Propagation itself is quite easy and can be tried out without experience
✔ Two ways can be used for propagation
✔ Seedlings develop quite quickly, offspring also spread quickly✔ Inexpensive way to keep several torch lilies in the garden
✔ You will be rewarded with magnificent torch flowers in summer
✔ Not much watering or fertilizing required
✔ Conventional, well drained and humus rich Substrate can be used
✔ you can save costs when buying garden flowers by propagating yourself
Cons
✘ Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs, otherwise the plant will quickly rot
✘ Seedlings must not be exposed to direct sunlight and should be well protected from wind and weather
✘ Young daughter plants must be in Winter be prepared particularly well for hibernation, otherwise the plants could not survive the winter
✘ constant monitoring and checking of the seedlings and germs should be carried out
As you can see, propagating a demanding torch lily is not much more difficult than propagating other garden plants. EvenBoth methods can be tried by amateurs and beginners, although propagation by division is still considered a faster and easier option if you want to see results soon.