Common Milkweed

Fragrant and nectar abundant pink flowers along with the leaves are an important food source for many butterflies and insects. Flowers in midsummer followed by green pods which dry, opening up with fluffy seed heads. Spreads by seeds and underground rhizomes, developing into a large colony of plants.  

40 seeds

PLANTING

Asclepias syrica

Perennial, zones 3-9

Germination: 14-30 days, cold treating aids germination

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-75ºF.

Seed Planting Depth: Sow ⅛-¼” deep

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Cold treat seed by sowing into moist soil or paper towel, wrap in a clear plastic bag, and place in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Provide 65-75ºF soil temperatures until germination. Transplant new seedlings into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots/paper pots. This helps reduces root damage when transplanting. Transplant around the last frost date,12-18” apart.

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow outdoors in early spring or early fall, spacing 3-5 seeds every 12".

Growth Habit: Single stem, upright

Height and Width: 36-48” by 18-24"

Spacing: 12-18” apart

Light Needs:  Full sun

Soil Needs: Average, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in the second year. May bloom the first season when started early indoors, mid to late summer thereafter.

Uses:  Wildflower and cottage gardens, cut flowers, deer resistant, low maintenance, attracts butterflies and beneficials

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Plant in areas where it can spread and not crowd out other plants. Self-seeds easily.