Providing Herbs, Fine Seeds and Goods for the Gardener Cook since 1950
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Providing Herbs, Fine Seeds and Goods for the Gardener Cook since 1950
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Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Weed (Milkweed)

$2.95 $0.00

Asclepias tuberosa  Perennial. 2-3'

Butterfly Weed is a species of milkweed also known as Indian Paintbrush or Pleurisy Root. Bright orange flowers heads measure from 2 to 5 inches across. Butterfly weed starts blooming in midsummer and attract butterflies. The tough root was chewed by the Indians as a cure for pleurisy and other pulmonary ailments thus Butterfly Weed came to be known as Pleurisy Root. Full sun, sandy soil. Because it is so deep rooted it does not transplant well.

 

 Planting Directions: Sow seed indoors in a sterile seed starting mix with a soil temperature of  70°-80°. Seed usually germinates in 21-30 days. Plant seed ¼ to ½” deep. Sow seeds outdoors in spring or summer at least two months before first frost. Space plants 24” apart. Water requirements are low, withstands drought and does not transplant.