Botanical Name: Asclepias syriaca
Family: Apocynaceae
Native: Eastern 2/3 of the U.S. and Canada
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer
Plant Dimensions: 24"–36" tall
Variety Information: Individual flowers ½" long, born in pink to purplish or white clusters.
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant
When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, or fall for spring germination.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 14–28 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"
Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Harvesting: For longest vase life, cut flowers when 1/2–2/3 of petals are open. Sear the stem end with a flame to prevent the sap from sealing the stem. Wear gloves; milkweed sap can cause skin and eye irritation and can be toxic if ingested.
