Product Description
Butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa, is an extremely hardy and long lived perennial that is native to North America, east of the Mississippi. The family name, Asclepias, comes from the Greco-Roman god, Asclepius, a son of Apollo, who was beloved for his beneficence and healing powers and who had a reputation for providing solace to the afflicted. His temples and healing centers were called asclepions and were the first hospitals of the ancient times. The extremely sweet fragrance of the flowers makes them highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The lovely, brilliant orange flowers borne on stems that grow from 12 to 24 inches can be appreciated in any garden.
Product Features
- Packet of plant seeds
- Perennial plant with gorgeous blooms
- Asclepias tuberosa
- Erratic germination
- Plant in full sun
- Sow directly as this is a taproot plant
- Made in the USA
Product Care
Butterfly weed flower seeds are very difficult to grow from a seed, but this is the only way to propagate this plant. Because of its long taproot, it does not transplant well. Butterfly weed seed must be direct seeded when the soil temperature has become quite warm, 65-75 degrees F. Broadcast the seed in an area like you would grass seed and then cover the seed with a dusting of soil, no more than 1/16th of an inch. Moisten the soil and keep it slightly moist until germination which takes place 30-90 days after seeding. The warmer the soil, the faster the germination. It usually takes 2 years for a plant to mature from seed, but once it is established, it is very dependable and will last for decades or longer.
