milkweed seed planting depth Swamp Milkweed

milkweed seed planting depth Swamp MilkweedThe 5' tall plants produce interesting two tone clusters of pink to purple blooms that have a light vanilla scent, are 2" across, and beloved by butterflies. 40 seeds PLANTING Asclepias incarnata Perennial, zones 3 9 Germination: 14 30 days, cold treating aids germination Seed Planting Depth: Sow deep Starting Indoors: Start indoors 8 10 weeks before the last frost. Cold treat the seed by sowing into moist soil or paper towel, wrap in a clear plastic

The 5' tall plants produce interesting two-tone clusters of pink to purple blooms that have a light vanilla scent, are 2" across, and beloved by butterflies.  

40 seeds 

PLANTING

Asclepias incarnata 

Perennial, zones 3-9

Germination: 14-30 days, cold treating aids germination

Seed Planting Depth: Sow ⅛-¼” deep

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Cold treat the seed by sowing into moist soil or paper towel, wrap in a clear plastic bag, and place in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Provide 65-75ºF soil temperatures until germination. Transplant new seedlings into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots/paper pots. This helps reduces root damage when transplanting. Transplant around the last frost date,12-18” apart.

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow outdoors in early spring or early fall, spacing 3-5 seeds every 12". 

Spacing: 12-18”

Growth Habit:  Upright

Height and Width:  48-60” x 18-24"

Light Needs:  Full sun 

Soil Needs:  Average, moist to well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in the second year. May bloom the first season when started early indoors, mid to late summer thereafter.

Uses: Wildflower and cottage gardens, low wet areas, cut flower, deer resistant, low maintenance, attracts butterflies and beneficials

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend the soil with compost before transplanting. Deadheading encourages a second bloom and reduces self-seeding.