Orange Butterfly Weed Seeds, Asclepias Tuberosa

Description

Asclepias Tuberosa aka  Orange Butterfly Weed   The bright orange flower clusters, with this species, make a striking display.  As a native plant to most of the continental US, it will thrive in rocky, sandy soil and can be found in open fields and roadsides.

Sowing.  Cold stratification of this species is optional. I no longer do after performing a test with both cold stratified and unstratified seeds.  The unstratified germinated quicker with less deformed seedlings.   If you are cold stratifying place in refrigerator 4 weeks and  sow when the ground temps are above 60 degrees.  The seeds need  light, moisture and warmth to germinate.  

Growing.  Keep the young plants well watered for the first year. A well established plant can withstand drought but not soggy conditions like the Swamp M. Growing about 24” tall, the original plant will not spread via roots like the Common M. but will self-seed and I’ve found those seedlings can be transplanted while young.  

Native to all the continental US state with the following exceptions: ID, MT, NV, ND,OR,WA, WY.