Milkweed - Swamp

SKU # S014

Latin Name: Asclepias incarnata

Category: SEEDS

Seeds Per Packet: 48

The round, flat flower heads of this deep pink, native flower are deliciously scented of vanilla. Their smooth, lance-shaped leaves turn glorious colors in fall and their gracefully shaped golden seedpods are a crafter's dream, and are filled with silky seeds that catch the breeze and paraglide away!

Circa 1827! Butterflies will cover these flowers!

Lifecycle: Perennial

Zone: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Color: Umbels of fragrant pink flowers

Size: 4-5' h x 2-3' w

Season: Summer

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained

Poisonous

Symbol Legend & Hardiness Codes

We use several symbols and abbreviations in our catalog:

: especially fragrant
: great for containers
: great cut flower
: deer-resistant
: heat and/or drought tolerant
: attracts butterflies
:hummingbird favorite
: Honey Bee Favorite
: Native Flower

Hardiness codes:

HA -- Hardy Annual. Hardy annuals can stand some frost, so sow in the open ground well before the last spring frost date, or, in warm winter areas, sow in fall.
HHA -- Half-hardy Annual. Half-hardy annuals will survive a very light frost but are planted in the open at the last spring frost date or a little later. They can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost.
TA -- Tender Annuals. Tender annuals are warm weather plants that cannot withstand any frost and prefer warm nights. Tender annuals with long weeks to bloom (16-18+) should be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost.

Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

Depth: Barely cover and keep moist.
Sprout Time: 21-40 days
Starting Indoors: Stratify for 3 weeks at 35-40°F. To stratify, place seeds between moist paper towels in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. They will then be ready to plant. Eight to 10 weeks before last frost, remove pre-chilled seeds from refrigerator and sow ¼ to ½ inch apart in peat pots; barely cover and mist the surface. Secure containers with plastic covering to retain moisture while seeds germinate (about 2 weeks, sometimes longer). Place in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights, where the temperature is about 60-70°F. Water from bottom once germination has occurred, but do not allow to remain damp, as this can cause fungal problems, such as damping off. Thin about 1-2 weeks after germination. Plants can be hardened off by placing in a sheltered area outdoors for about a week prior to plating in the ground.
Starting Outdoors: Sow in early spring when there is still possibility of frost—surface sow or barely cover and keep evenly moist. Swamp milkweed does not germinate well in hot conditions and can be sown in fall to germinate the following spring.

When to Set Outside

This mid-to-late summer bloomer can be set in the ground in spring when a light frost is still possible and the soil is cool. It can also be planted in early autumn.

Placement & Cultivation

Milkweed will attract butterflies and bees, and is also deer resistant. In the wild, red milkweed grows in swamps and wet meadows. It is a great performer in rain gardens or low areas, including banks along ponds or streams, and looks lovely as a mass planting, growing well in borders in rich soil. A top beneficial insect attracting species, nurturing many species of helpful bugs.
Water Use: Medium
Watering Details: Keep moist—at least 1" of water per week, more during particularly dry/hot spells.
Soil pH: Most pH levels are tolerated.
Fertilizer: Milkweed is not a heavy feeder, so a single application of slow-release granular, organically-sourced fertilizer in springtime is sufficient. Or, apply about a half inch of compost and scratch in.
Diseases & Pests: Aphids are attracted to the stems of milkweeds and can be removed by hand picking or spraying with a vigorous stream of water.

Plant Description

Plant: Upright and clump-forming with tannish-green to purple stems 3-4’ with lance-shaped, tapered leaves about 3-6” in length. Leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
Flowering: Clusters of fragrant, small pink flowers at stem ends make great cut flowers. They serve as a nectar source for monarch butterflies. If removed when still green, they can be used in dried flower arrangements.
Seeds: Flowers will turn into slender, upright pods that are tapered at both ends, and contain many silky-tailed brown, flat seeds which are spread by wind. Seed pods are also sometimes used in cut flower arrangements if harvested before they open. If collecting seeds, they are ready a day or two before the pod naturally opens—if you gently squeeze the pod and it opens to reveal brown, mature seeds, they are ready to be harvested. Place collected pods in an open, dry area with good airflow and allow to dry completely. Remove the fluff and seeds from the pod and place in a paper bag. Shake it vigorously to get the fluffy silk off of the seeds; cut a hole in a bottom corner of the bag and shake out the seeds. Store seeds in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
When to Cut: Cut when florets have opened for fresh arrangements. For dried, cut before florets open, or cut fully developed seed pods.

Fun Fact

The Monarch butterfly feeds on the nectar of the flowers and then lays its eggs on the plant.

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Milkweed - Swamp

Symbol Legend & Hardiness Codes

Hardiness codes:

Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

When to Set Outside

Placement & Cultivation

Plant Description

Fun Fact

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Milkweed - Swamp

Symbol Legend & Hardiness Codes

Hardiness codes:

Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

When to Set Outside

Placement & Cultivation

Plant Description

Fun Fact

Notify Me

Email A Friend