How to Grow Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa Germination Information
Asclepias tuberosa is the botanical name for Butterfly Weed
How to Sow Asclepias tuberosa:- For best results, sown indoors at alternating temperatures of 68° and 86°
- Sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds
- Expect germination in 15-20 days
- Seeds can also be sown outdoors in situ during spring or summer (up to two months before first frost)
- When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Asclepias tuberosa:
Spacing: Space 8-12 inches apart in full sun
Soil: Site in a sandy, well-drained soil
Transplant: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves, being careful while doing so as it resents being disturbed
Appearance and Use:
Situate this perennial in borders and wildflower gardens to enjoy its colorful floral display and to attract bees and butterflies to the garden. The plant grows 3 feet tall by 12 inches wide and boasts flat, 1-2 inch diameter clusters of orange, orange-red, or yellow flowers. These fragrant flowers appear in July and August. The stems ooze a milky sap when broken. Slender, hairy, 4-5 inch long leaves line the stem
About Asclepias tuberosa:
Pronunciation: a-skle’pe-us tu-ber-o’så
Lifecycle: Perennial
Origination: Asclepiadaceae; native to the United States and Canada
Common Name: Butterfly Weed