100 seeds/packet
 
Monarch caterpillar food! Great for other pollinators as well, since over 450 species of insect use the common milkweed as a source of food. Can be invasive, so pick seed pods before opening to control spread.  
 
 
Asclepias syriaca
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Uses: Pollinator attractant, especially monarch butterflies
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Germination: Can be started indoors 4-8 weeks before last frost and transplanted out after frost date, direct seed spring after last frost or fall before frost
Seed Prep: Cold stratifications minimum 30 days
Seed Depth: Compress into soil and water well, keep moist until germination
Germination Time: 7-10 days
Growing Temp: 65-75°F
Height: 3-6 feet
Spread: 18-24 inches
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Sunlight: Full sun
Water Requirements: Average, drought tolerant, don't over water as it can lead to a lethal fungus
Soil Quality: Average, well-drained
Soil Chemistry: 4-8-6.8
Fertilize: Not needed
Growth Rate: Agressive
Bloomtime: June-August
Attracts: Pollinators like butterflies, bees, humming birds
Critter Resistant: Repels most pests, deer
Critter Attractant: None
Harvest: Roots and sap for medicinal purposes, DANGEROUS, use only with knowledge and care
Pruning: Deadhead regularly
Pests: Milkweed bugs, aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, spider mites, thrips, and leaf miners, usually do little harm
Diseases: Leaf spot, verticillium wilt, and root rot
Reseeds: Yes, aggressively
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings, rhizome divisions
Garden type: English cottage, pollinator, wildflower, border
Companions: Goldenrod, black-eyed Susans
Traditional Medicinal Uses: Yes, dangerous
Allergy Potential: DANGEROUS TO HUMANS AND ANIMALS All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion in small amounts, and seizures, heart rhythm changes, respiratory paralysis, and even death in large amounts. Milkweed can also irritate the skin and eyes if touched.