Tropical Milkweed Flower seeds
This flower is the #1 choice for egg-laying monarch butterflies. If you want your yard full of these guys, read on. Tropical milkweed is a colorful perennial that remains evergreen in zone 9b, is hardy in zones 8b-11, and can be planted as an annual everywhere else. The blooms of this variety will be vibrant yellow and a red/pink color. The roots have been used medicinally for the respiratory system and as a diaphoretic.
Tropical milkweed is a high nectar flower that provides nourishment to monarchs during migration. The stem is sturdy and supports the eggs laid by the monarch, and the leaves are ready to be consumed by the monarch larvae. In addition, the foliage grows back quickly, so the larvae won't consume the entire plant. Every part of the plant benefits the monarch in some way.
If you are in zones eight and below, these must be started indoors to reach full maturity. You would need to start them two months before the last frost in your area. These are easy to propagate and don't have a taproot, so they won't sprawl or become invasive. This plant is easy to transplant, deer, and rabbit-resistant, and will bloom all season while producing seed. They will require full sun.
Seed count: 50
Botanic name:
Asclepias tuberosa
Plant spacing:
12-14 days
Color:
Bright yellow and red/pink foliage
Sowing depth:
1/8 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
The roots can be used for several ailments while the plant itself attracts and hosts Monarch larvae in particular.
Frost hardy:
Yes
Maturity days:
120-130 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Monarch flower, blood flower, scarlet milkweed, sunset flower, silkweed, Pleurisy root seeds
Vine Habit:
