Firecracker Flower Plant Care
Dichelostemma congestum (Sm.) Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dichelostemma congestum is a species of flowering plant known by the common name ookow or fork-toothed ookow. It is native to California, Oregon and Washington.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Firecracker Flower?
Water Firecracker Flower every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Firecracker Flower Native To?
What Is the Firecracker Flower?
Firecracker Flower (Dichelostemma congestum) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Dichelostemma genus. Firecracker Flower is native to California, Oregon and Washington. Firecracker Flower is also known as Few-flowered Brodiaea.
Firecracker Flower displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Firecracker Flower produces tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Firecracker Flower?
Dichelostemma congestum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Firecracker Flower Need?
Firecracker Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Firecracker Flower Prefer?
Dichelostemma congestum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Firecracker Flower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Firecracker Flower?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Firecracker Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Firecracker Flower?
Feed Firecracker Flower every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Firecracker Flower?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Firecracker Flower?
Firecracker Flower can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to firecracker flower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Firecracker Flower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Firecracker Flower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Firecracker Flower?
Firecracker Flower is susceptible to thrips, aphids, onion maggots. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Firecracker Flower Need?
Firecracker Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Firecracker Flower is native to California, Oregon and Washington. In cooler regions, grow Firecracker Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Firecracker Flower is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dichelostemma genus — compare its care with other Dichelostemma species on PlantoScan.
Dichelostemma is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Firecracker Flower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dichelostemma congestum (Sm.) Kunth, family Asparagaceae (first published in Enum. Pl. 4: 470 (1843)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Firecracker Flower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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