Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Incarnata) - Blooms the first year from flower seed and tolerates heat, humidity, and even drought! Asclepias Incarnata flowers are fragrant, colorful, and carefree! A magnet for butterflies, Butterfly Weed has flat-topped flower clusters that are easy for butterflies to land on, and they are vanilla-scented and rich in nectar. Growing Asclepias flower seeds is so rewarding knowing that these plants will soon be providing a food source for beneficial insects.

Asclepias Incarnata is prized for attracting butterflies, and its foliage is sufficiently tender for larvae to feed on making this plant very valuable to the butterfly population. Butterfly Weed flowers are also nice for cutting, and the blooms are long-lasting in fresh and dried bouquets. This native American plant loves full sun and thrives in heat, humidity, and even drought. Butterfly Weed plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

SOWING:
Sowing: February - June
Season: Perennial
Height: 36 inches (90 cm)
Bloom Season: Early summer to autumn
Bloom Colour: Carmine Rose
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Light Required: No
Depth: Do not cover
Moisture: Keep soil slightly moist but not wet
Plant Spacing: 24 inches (60 cm)

Many gardeners recommend a cold treatment to help Butterfly Weed seeds germinate more quickly. To do this, dampen a paper towel, place the flower seeds on the towel and seal it in a ziploc bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 3 - 4 weeks. After the cold treatment, start the Butterfly Weed seeds indoors. Do not cover the flower seeds as they need light to germinate. Transplant the Butterfly Weed plants outdoors once temperatures are warm and the plants have 4 - 5 leaves.