Description: Plant one for the Monarchs! Planting milkweed is something that home gardeners can do to help restore Monarch butterfly populations threatened by habitat loss. Not invasive in the garden setting but the plants look awesome in bold groupings. Monarchs lay their eggs on this host plant and the caterpillars feed on it - all of which is highly encouraged (the plants will grow back even if the Monarch caterpillars eat all of the above-ground parts).
Pack Size: 30 seeds
Seed Source: Organically grown
Latin Name: Asclepias incarnata
Alternative Names: Bloodflower, cancerillo, silkweed
Main Uses: Ornamental, Attracts butterflies, Fragrant
Zone Hardiness: Zone 3
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 90 - 120 cm (36 - 48 inches)
Flower Color: Pink and Red
Flowering Time: June - July
Germination: 7 - 14 days at 18°C.
Sowing: Indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow in flats 1/4" deep, moisten the soil, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 10 days. Thereafter, provide light and 50-75°F. This moist stratification is not absolutely necessary but will help to increase germination. Soak seeds for 24 hours, starting with hot tap water. For best results, apply Sea Magic™ kelp from first watering. Apply a seedling-starter fertilizer such as Evolve Seedling once the second set of true leaves has appeared, and then alternate between the kelp and seedling starter until transplant.
Planting depth: Surface.
Planting Out: After the last frost in well-drained soil.
Spacing: 12”. Suitable for garden beds or large containers.
Growing in Containers: Not well-suited for containers due to height, but works well in raised beds.
Growing in Mixed Planters: Not suited for mixed planters.
Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden recently amended with compost. No further fertilizing required.
Watering (Garden): Water deeply to establish. Water mature plants weekly during hot weather.
Beneficials Attracted to this Plant:
- Butterflies, including Monarchs.
- Many other beneficial pollinators.
Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.
