Red Milkweed - Prairie Native

The Seed Savers Exchange - Also known as Swamp milkweed, this North American native bears bright pink-and-red, vanilla-scented flowers in June and July. Surprisingly adaptable, this 5-foot-tall perennial is the preferred forage source for the larvae of Monarch butterflies and can grow in wet to well-drained soil. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.

Characteristics: 

• Perennial and hardy to zone 4
• Plants grow to 5 feet tall
• Bright pink and red, vanilla-scented flowers
• Blooms in June and July
• Preferred food source of Monarch caterpillars
• 50 Seeds per packet 

Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats 1/4" deep, moisten the soil, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 10 days. Thereafter, provide light and 50-75°F. This moist stratification is not absolutely necessary but will help to increase germination.

Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost

Sow 1/4" deep

Germination 10-15 days

Plant 12-24" apart

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