Milkweed Common

Observe the monarch butterfly lifecycle right in your garden! This heirloom species provides food and habitat for monarch butterflies and is an essential host plant for their caterpillars. Im summer, pink to purplish or white flowers are followed by decorative seedpods that are beautiful in dried arrangements. Robust, shrub-like perennial spreads by underground rhizomes. Drought tolerant once established. Native throughout much of the eastern and central United States. Perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer. Sap is toxic; avoid eye/skin contact and do not ingest. Deer resistant.

When to sow outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, or fall for spring germination.

When to start inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.

Special germination instructions: Benefits greatly from stratification (a col, moist period) prior to germination (see inside of packet).