Flower Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 3 - 7
- Height: 32 inches
- Bloom Season: June - August
- Bloom Color: Pink
- Environment: Full sun
- Soil Type: Tolerant of poor, dry soils, pH 5.8 - 7.2
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 68F
- Average Germ Time: 21 - 28 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: Surface sow seed, do not cover
- Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 36 inches
- Care & Maintenance: See: Milkweed
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) - This is a bold plant with broad leaves and large clusters of pink blossoms. It is easily grown from Milkweed flower seed, and it is a must have for the butterfly garden. Milkweed draws butterflies with its strong lilac-like fragrance and sweet nectar. Milkweed is a host plant for Monarch butterfly larva. The eggs are laid on the Milkweed plant, and the larvae will feed on the plant and mature into a chrysalis. In addition to attracting butterflies, Milkweed is perfect for a naturalized setting. It is very attractive, easily controlled, and easily grown from flower seeds.
The plant contains cardiac glycosides, allied to digitalins used in treating some heart disease; however, this plant should not be eaten by humans or live stalk.
It is appropriate to sow Milkweed flower seeds outdoors after the frosts of fall have begun. The cold, dormant planting will aid the germination of the seed in spring when temperatures warm. If sowing Milkweed flower seed indoors or in a greenhouse, refrigerate the Milkweed flower seed for 2 months before sowing. The cold treatment will help to break the dormancy of the seed.
