Orange Milkweed

PERENNIAL

Summer bloom. Hardy to USDA zone 3.

BEST TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seed 2 to 4 inches apart in a finely textured, well-worked garden bed in full sun once danger of frost is past. Cover ¼ inch deep and keep moist as seedlings emerge. Thin to stand 10 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Start seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last spring frost date. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover ¼ inch deep. Keep warm and moist; provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. Once danger of frost is past, gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions, then transplant into the garden 10 inches apart into well drained soil in full sun.

GROWING NOTES

Asclepias needs full sun and excellent drainage. No extra fertilizer is needed except in very poor soil. In sunny borders, plants are host to Monarch butterflies and provide nectar to honeybees, wild bees and other pollinators. Foliage dies back in cold winter climates, but reliably sprouts back from the crowns come spring. Plants can take drier conditions once well established.

To improve germination for Asclepias, cold-moist stratify to break dormancy. For spring planting, place seeds in a damp paper towel or mix into damp sand and refrigerate in a plastic bag for 30 to 60 days before sowing. Alternatively, sow directly outdoors in late fall or early winter; seeds will naturally stratify and sprout once the soil warms. While foliage dies back in cold winter climates, it reliably returns from the crown each spring, and established plants are notably drought-tolerant.