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Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca, A. incarnata, A. tuberosa

Category: Flowers

Milkweed is an erect plant with showy, yellow-orange, pink-to purple, or green flower clusters. Perfect in pollinator or native gardens or in perennial beds, it is the larval host for monarch butterflies and provides nectar for monarchs and other pollinators. *Tropical milkweed (A. curassavica) is often sold in nurseries and is NOT recommended to attract monarch butterflies. Choose native milkweeds as listed above. Milkweed is mildly toxic and sap can cause contact dermatitus. Plant with caution around pets and horses.

How to Grow Milkweed

Quick Info

Spacing
1/Square
Depth
0.3 in
0.3 in
Sun
Full Sun
Water
1 in/week
Season
Perennial
Frost
Not tolerant
Height
3-5 ft
Germination
14-21 days
Germination Temp
50-75 °F
Sprout to Harvest
120-130 days
Soil pH
Slightly Acidic - Neutral

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Varieties

Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed Vibrant orange perennial is crucial for monarch butterflies and thrives in dry, poor soils once established.
Common/Swamp
Common/Swamp Essential host and nectar plant, vital for monarch butterflies throughout their life cycle.
Gay Butterflies
Gay Butterflies Citrusy mix of blooms in sunshine tones attract pollinators from mid to late summer. Must-have for promoting pollinator diversity.
Heavenly Blue
Heavenly Blue True blue milkweed, excellent cut flower, attracts pollinators! Grows to 2 ft. Zones 10-11. Easy & fast blooming.
Hello Yellow
Hello Yellow This vibrant yellow milkweed adds sunshine and attracts beneficial insects to your garden; sole food source for monarch caterpillars.
Ice Ballet
Ice Ballet Icy-white blooms attract pollinators. Perfect for meadows, cottage gardens, beds, borders, and pollinator gardens!
Irresistible Blend
Irresistible Blend Easy-to-grow perennial renowned for attracting abundant butterflies and hummingbirds with its sweet nectar.
Red or Swamp
Red or Swamp Rosy-pink-flowered milkweed, best for moist locations. Supports monarchs, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
View all 12 varieties →

Related Articles

Pests

Diseases

Beneficial Critters

Growing from Seed

Pot seeds in moist soils or between damp paper towels to cold stratify (refrigerate) for 3-12 weeks. Make sure to transplant seedlings before they become rootbound. Milkweed will self-seed in the garden. You can also take root cuttings to multiply plants.

Planting Considerations

Milkweed is drought tolerant and does well in poor, dry soil.

Harvesting

Harvest stems for bouquets when 1/3 to 1/2 of the flowers are open.

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