Apollo Orange – Asclepias Seed

New! Vibrant show of color, summer through frost.
Tall, vigorous plants do best in warm, relatively dry conditions. Vivid orange blooms with attractive, slender foliage. Use for cut flowers and garden beds. Attracts butterflies. Also known as milkweed, butterfly weed, blood flower, and sunset flower. Tender perennial in Zones 7–10. Ht. 34–38". Avg. 9,100 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION:14-21 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Stratification for Pleurisy Root only: Moisten,cover with plastic, and refrigerate at 40-50°F (4-10°C) for 7-14 days. After stratification, seeds should be brought into warmer temperatures to germinate.

SOWING:Transplant (recommended) – Sow 7-9 weeks before last frost. Sow 1/4" deep into a seed starting mix. Begins taproot growth upon germination. Do not allow to become pot bound at any time as plants will deteriorate rapidly. Transplant into larger cell packs or 3-4" pots 3-5 weeks after sowing. Harden off and transplant outdoors after the last frost. Direct seed – Can be direct sown in the fall or spring.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:Varies.

PLANT SPACING:12-24".

HARDINESS ZONES:Varies.

HARVEST:1/2 to 2/3 of flowers are open. If stems wilt after harvest, rehydrate in water for 24 hours. CAUTION: Milky sap may cause eye and skin irritation.

SOIL:Well-drained, sandy loam to poor soil.

USES:Cut flower. Borders, containers, and butterfly gardens.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:Asclepias spp.