Showy Milkweed Seeds

Cold stratification is required for Asclepias Speciosa. The seeds have a hard dormancy period, so skip this process and germination rates drop significantly. Mix your Showy Milkweed seeds with damp sand or peat, put them in a plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 30 days. After cold stratification, sow on the surface of a damp seed starting mix. Don’t cover them, as Showy Milkweed seeds need light to germinate. At a temperature of 65-75°F, expect sprouts within 10-20 days. Alternatively, you can also sow your Showy Milkweed seeds directly in the garden in fall. Winter will naturally do cold stratification for you. 

Showy Milkweed plant thrives in full sun — at least 6 hours, but more is better. Asclepias Speciosa will thrive in poor soil, sandy soil, or gravelly soil, but it should be well-draining. Avoid heavy clay or wet soil. Water young transplants regularly at first several weeks, but after 4-6 weeks flower becomes drought resistant and require watering only during dry spells.

Once it's established, Milkweed flower takes care of itself. It spreads by underground rhizomes and a single plant will eventually create a small colony. Deadheading isn't necessary and actually reduces seed production if you want to farvest them. Cut back stems to the ground after the first hard frost. No fertilizing needed, as reach soil will promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms.