Asclepias syriaca, also known as common milkweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Apocynaceae, or dogbane family. A. syriaca is native to North America and commonly found in fields, meadows, roadsides, and prairies. A. syriaca grows 3 to 5 feet tall and spreads 2 to 3 feet wide, forming dense clumps with upright stems. The leaves are large, oblong, and velvety, with a light green color that contrasts with the plant’s vibrant flowers. In mid to late summer. Asclepias syriaca produces spherical clusters of small, fragrant, white to pink flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. The flowers are followed by large, drooping seed pods that open in fall, releasing silky, tufted seeds that are dispersed by the wind. This plant is grown as an ornamental for its soft foliage and fragrant flowers while supporting native pollinators. It is the host plant for monarch butterfly larvae and is used to support the species population. Asclepias syriaca thrives in full sun and well-draining soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can adapt to a range of soil types. USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Asclepias syriaca seeds benefit from cold stratification to improve germination rates. To prepare the seeds, place them in a ziplock bag with a slightly moist, sterile substrate such as sand, perlite, or peat moss. Store the bag in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 months to simulate winter conditions and break dormancy. After stratification, sow the seeds on the surface of a well-draining soil mix, pressing them lightly into the soil but leaving them uncovered, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Optimal germination temperatures are between 70-75°F. Germination typically occurs within 1 to 3 weeks. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING DISCLAIMER:
All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.