Common, Asclepias (Butterfly Weed)

Key Attributes

Sun
Sun: Full Sun
Packet
Packet: 100 Seeds
Days To Maturity (# Days)
Days To Maturity (# Days): 100
Botanical Name
Botanical Name: Asclepias syriaca

Common, Asclepias (Butterfly Weed)

The Common Asclepias, also known as Butterfly Weed or Common Milkweed, is the only plant that Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on! This variety provides an abundant food source for Monarchs, but have been declining in the recent years due in part to suburban development and the increased efficiency of herbicides. The Common Asclepias spreads readily by seed and underground rhizomes and its taproot can withstand drought. This Butterfly Weed is one of the easiest and fastest to establish of the Milkweeds. Enjoy watching beautiful Monarchs visit on a daily basis!
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Key Attributes

Sun
Sun: Full Sun
Packet
Packet: 100 Seeds
Days To Maturity (# Days)
Days To Maturity (# Days): 100
Botanical Name
Botanical Name: Asclepias syriaca

Product Details

Weight

0.01

Depth

0.1

Height

4.5

Width

3.25

Plant Height

2-4'

Botanical Name

Asclepias syriaca

Seed Type

Seed

Additional Characteristics

Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant

Seeds Per Gram

141

Seeds Per Pound

64,000

Packet

100 Seeds

Sow Depth

1/4"

Seeds Per Ounce

4,000

Breed

Open-pollinated

Sun

Full Sun

Growing Conditions

Container Friendly

Life Cycle

Perennial

Sow Method

Transplant

Categories

Flowers

Days To Maturity (# Days)

100

Components

Growing Instructions

    Learning Download: How to Grow Asclepias

Asclepias, commonly known as butterfly weed or milkweed, is a plant monarch butterflies need to survev, because it is the only food source that monarch caterpillars will eat. It is also is a host plant for other butterflies, such as queen and grey hairstreak butterflies.

Before Planting: Speed up the germination process by placing the seeds in a wet paper towel and then into a plastic bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 30 days prior to planting.

Planting: Plant the seeds outdoors in a sunny place, usually in the fall. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.

Watering: Avoid watering too much or too little. During droughts or in dry places, keep the flowers blooming with a light watering once a week.

Fertilizer: Asclepias doesn’t usually require fertilizer. However, a top dressing of compost or organic material around the plant can assist with its growth.

Days to Maturity: It takes two months for the Asclepias plant to grow big enough for a caterpillar to eat.

Harvesting: Do not harvest Asclepias, as it does best when it is planted in the garden and easily accessible to monarch butterflies.

Tips: Although its flowers shouldn’t be harvested, you can collect seeds from your milkweed plant to plant more. To collect the seeds, wear gloves and collect the seeds int the fall, when the pods are open. The pods should be green or brown and the seeds should be brown.

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To learn more about the "Safe Seed Pledge" please visit www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org.