Butterflyweed, Native

The Seed Savers Exchange -  From midsummer until early fall, beautiful bright-orange flowers cover butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa). This North American native attracts bees, hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies and is an essential host plant for Monarch butterflies. Blooms reliably from seed the first year, if sown early. Plants will reach 2-3' tall and grow well in dry, sandy soil and in well-drained loams. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.

Characteristics: 

• Perennial and hardy to zone 4
• Plants grow to 2-3 feet
• Bright orange flowers in summer and fall
• Pollinator-friendly; extremely attractive to bees, hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies
• 50 Seeds per packet 

Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil in pots. Germination will occur with no treatment but benefits from cold stratification. Place pots in plastic bags and refrigerate for three weeks. Remove plastic and provide light and 50-75°F thereafter. Do not overwater. Transplant outdoors when light frost is still possible.

Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost

Sow 1/4" deep

Germination 10-40 days

Plant 12-24" apart

Light: Partial Sun to Full Sun

Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability