Common Milkweed Butterfly Flower, Native

Common Milkweed or Asclepias syriaca was once common across all of the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains.  As its population has declined so has the Monarch butterfly. This is a very easy native and once estabished you will be delighted to see its return year after year. lt prefers loamy soil or drier sandier soils. The bold flowers are irresistible to monarchs and this is an essential host plant to lay eggs on.  Common milkweed is often part of "wilding gardens" as it is elegant nature lends well to rural and urban settings. 

Characteristics: 

• Perennial and hardy to zone 4
• Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall
• Preferred food source of Monarch butterflies
• 75 Seeds per packet 

Instructions - It is recommended to cold stratify this seed so sow early in pots (great for winter sowing) or directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. You can also encourage germination if you miss the cold period by sowing into a tray of media, moisten, cover and place in fridge for 30 days.  Remove and provide adequate light and non freezing conditions.  

• Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outside while still cold
• Sow 1/4" deep
• Germination 10-40 days
• Plant 12-24" apart
• Light: Partial Sun to Full Sun