Description

Butterflies will seek out your garden when you grow this vigorous, heirloom perennial, a preferred nectar plant for monarchs and other pollinators. Beginning in summer, you will be treated to a profusion of fiery, red-orange flowers followed by decorative green seed pods. Drought tolerant once established; performs in poor soils. Native to much of the United States. A long-lasting addition to cut flower arrangements. Perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer. Sap is toxic; avoid eye/skin contact and do not ingest.

Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa
Family: Apocynaceae
Native: Eastern U.S., Canada, and Northern Mexico
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer
Plant Dimensions: 24″–36″ tall
Variety Information: Individual flowers ½”, borne in brilliant red-orange clusters.
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant

When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, or in the fall for spring germination.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 14–28 days
Seed Depth: ¼”
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12″–24″
Thinning: When 3″ tall, thin to 1 every 12″–24″

Harvesting: For longest vase life, harvest flowers in the morning, choosing blooms that are 1/2-2/3 open. Place in water, allowing the latex within the stems to dissipate in the water, then change the water. Wear gloves; milkweed sap can cause skin and eye irritation and can be toxic if ingested.

24 seeds.