Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia spp.) is a vigorous, low-maintenance perennial and does not need much fertilization to be successful. In the early spring, you can apply an organic fertilizer to encourage new growth. Continuous fertilizer through the growing season, however, is not necessary. Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers in the summer while Red Hot Poker is blooming, as it may encourage the plant to grow leaves rather than flowers.
If Red Hot Poker is planted in a pot or planter, you may need to fertilize more frequently. Pots hold a limited amount of nutrients, which get used up quickly. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring, and a bloom formula with higher phosphorus or potassium can be applied when Red Hot Poker is blooming.
How to Fertilize Red Hot Poker
Apply an organic fertilizer around the base of Red Hot Poker in the spring. Use a balanced formula or a product for blooming plants; the slow-release, granular formulas are easiest to apply. Avoid applying fertilizer to the leaves, blooms, or crown of the plant as it may cause them to burn. Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers around Red Hot Poker in the summer.
Best Time To Fertilize Red Hot Poker
If you decide to fertilize Red Hot Poker, do so in the early spring to aid in the production of new leaves and roots. It is not necessary to continue fertilizing Red Hot Poker through the summer. If Red Hot Poker is having trouble producing blooms, lack of fertilizer is rarely the cause.
Best Fertilizer For Red Hot Poker
Red Hot Poker can benefit from an application of an organic fertilizer in early spring. Use a balanced formula (e.g. 10-10-10) or bloom formula with an NPK ratio of 4-8-4 or similar. We like using Down to Earth Organic Rose & Flower Fertilizer Mix, or AgroThrive Fruit and Flower Organic Liquid Fertilizer, to fertilize Kniphofia. Over-fertilizing can do more harm than good, causing this plant to become floppy or bloom less. Red Hot Poker grown in rich soil does not require fertilizer.
Red Hot Poker Fertilizing Tips
- Generally Kniphofia do not need to be fertilized throughout the year.
- Add an organic fertilizer once in the spring.
- Potted plants may need additional fertilization.
Warnings
-Always wear protective gloves and a face mask when handling chemical fertilizers.
-Closely follow all directions and storage guidelines that are on the fertilizer label.
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Author Lynn Gusman - Published 9-21-2022 |