The 5′ tall plants produce interesting two-tone clusters of pink to purple blooms that have a light vanilla scent, are 2″ across, and beloved by butterflies.

40 seeds

PLANTING

Asclepias incarnata

Perennial, zones 3-9

Germination:14-30 days, cold treating aids germination

Seed Planting Depth:Sow – deep

Starting Indoors:Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Cold treat the seed by sowing into moist soil or paper towel, wrap in a clear plastic bag, and place in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Provide 65-75F soil temperatures until germination.Transplant new seedlings into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots/paper pots. This helps reduces root damage when transplanting.Transplant around the last frost date,12-18 apart.

Sowing Outdoors:Direct sow outdoors in early spring or early fall, spacing 3-5 seeds every 12″.

Spacing:12-18

Growth Habit:Upright

Height and Width: 48-60 x 18-24″

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs: Average, moist to well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed:Blooms in the second year. May bloom the first season when started early indoors, mid to late summer thereafter.

Uses:Wildflower and cottage gardens, low wet areas, cut flower, deer resistant, low maintenance, attracts butterflies and beneficials

Care:Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend the soil with compost before transplanting. Deadheading encourages a second bloom and reduces self-seeding.