In addition to being beautiful, Milkweed is a very important plant because it is a host for the beloved MONARCH butterfly. Monarch larvae feed exclusively on Milkweeds. That means if there is no Milkweed, there would be no Monarchs :( It is also an important nectar plant for bees & other insects.
The common name Milkweed was given to this plant because of its milky juice. The scientific name comes from Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, because of the many folk-medicinal uses for the milkweed plants. The dried seed pods are also very interesting for dried arrangements.
Flower Specifications
Season: Perennial USDA Zones: 2 - 9 Height: 40 inches Bloom Season: June - August Bloom Color: Purple-Pink Environment: Full sun Soil Type: Tolerant of poor, dry soils, pH 5.8 - 7.2
Planting Directions
Temperature: 68F Average Germ Time: 21 - 28 days Light Required: Yes Depth: Surface sow seed, do not cover Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination Plant Spacing: 36 inches
I bought some red sunflower seeds from this website. I also bought seeds from the big box store. The seeds I bought from this website sprouted first and look very robust. I am ordering more. Look for the next review once they bloom!!!
The seeds arrived quickly but we did not receive part of our order. We are still waiting for the ones we received to grow so too early for full review.