Milkweed Seeds - Showy
(Asclepias speciosa) Perennial Zone 3-8
Showy Milkweed is more commonly found in the western half of North America; growing well along streams, dry slopes, open woodland areas, and roadsides on occasion. Showy Milkweed attracts pollinators from far and wide, a prized plant for bees, hummingbirds and butterflies - especially the Monarch. Its rose colored flowers are larger and well, 'showier' than its cousin Common Milkweed. Since it has a large taproot, Showy Milkweed does not like being moved... So find a good spot and enjoy the butterfly show for years to come.
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Timing: ** Stratification is not required but it does improve germination. Start stratification 4-6 weeks before last frost. **Showy milkweed can also be direct seeded in late fall before the ground freezes to allow for natural stratification during winter, otherwise direct sow outdoors early-mid spring and skip the fridge. Seeds should sprout in 2-6 weeks.
Growing: Easily grows in most garden soils. Doesn't mind wet conditions. You can pinch the top of the plant off when 6-12 inches tall to encourage more branching and flowers.
Stratification instructions:
Scarification: Soak seeds in water, and let stand for 24 hours.
Stratification: Cold stratify for 30 days. Start by sowing seeds in soil 1/4" deep in seed tray cells, tamp the soil. In a resealable plastic bag, mix seeds lightly in slightly damp soil, place in your fridge for 30 days. In a planting container with moistened soil sowing seeds 1/4" deep, tamp the soil. Place a plastic cover over the tray or pot to retain moisture. Place tray, bag or container inside a fridge, a cold room, or an outdoor nursery bed.
Transplanting: Carefully transplant seedling after last spring frost to its permanent location as it needs deep moist soil to grow its long taproot. Once established Showy milkweed can easily be divided in the late fall or early spring.
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This is a great all around open pollinated flower variety, adaptable to any home flower garden.
You will be 100% satisfied with the quality of our Showy Milkweed Flower Seeds.
Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia, Canada.