Swamp milkweed, Flowers Seed, Butterfly Weed,

Asclepias incarnata is also known as Butterfly Weed, Marsh Milkweed, or Rose Milkweed. This plant is loved by butterflies due to its attractive qualities.

Detailed Swamp Milkweed Info: Origin: This plant, also known as Rose Milkweed, Red Milkweed, Swamp Silkweed, or White Indian Hemp, is indigenous to the United States. It is a perennial with a bloom time of summer and can reach a height of 36-60 inches with a spacing of 18-24 inches. It requires full sun and moist to wet soil, and is suitable for USDA zones 3a-9. Each ounce of seeds produces approximately 4,800 plants with narrow 4-6 inch leaves and bright pink and white aromatic flower clusters.Multiple butterfly species feed on this plant's nectar, making it a top host for Monarch caterpillars. It blooms with rounded clusters of pink flowers, on smooth stems that can reach 5 feet tall. Each flower has 5 curved petals and 5 light pink to white hoods. It thrives in moist soil and blooms in June-August. Its seeds germinate easily.

Marsh Milkweed is an excellent addition to the butterfly garden and can be grown in average garden soil when mulched. 

Sowing: Sow the butterfly weed seeds just below the surface in late fall. They will germinate in the spring after the last frost. When the seedlings emerge, thin them to the strongest plant. Keep in mind that transplanting can be difficult for these seedlings as they are sensitive to root disturbance. If sowing in the spring, refrigerate the seeds mixed with moist sand for 30 days before direct sowing.

Growing: To maintain soil moisture, occasional watering may be required for this plant as it is not drought tolerant. The plant's flowers have the ability to attract bees and various butterflies, but also repel deer. To ensure optimal growth, it is important to minimize competing weeds.

Harvesting: This species is known for its eye-catching qualities as a cut flower. When choosing flowers, opt for those that have recently opened and cut the stems to a longer length. We advise handling the milky sap with caution as it may cause skin irritation, as it is mildly toxic.