Asclepius Verticillata, White, United States Native
20 seeds
 
I GET A LOT OF REQUESTS FOR TROPICAL MILKWEED, AKA SILKY RED OR HELLO YELLOW. I DO NOT CARRY IT, AS IT CARRIES A PARASITE THAT CAN HARM/KILL MONARCHS AND SPREAD FROM CONTACT WITH OTHER BUTTERFLIES.

PLEASE DO THE MONARCHS A FAVOR AND PURCHASE NATIVE SEEDS. TROPICAL MILKWEED IS NOT NATIVE TO THE U.S. ALL MONARCH HOST MILKWEED SEEDS IN MY SHOP ARE NATIVE AND DO NOT CARRY THIS PARASITE.

I absolutely love this type of milkweed because it is so unusual compared to typical milkweed and is native to more of the US than any other species. It is endangered in New England, so planting is encouraged there. The buds are green with a touch of pink and open to a pure white, some flowers have touches of green which makes it an interesting specimen.

The leaves on this milkweed are very different, they are “whorled,” where it gets its name and the leaves are narrow and beautifully wispy. The flowers grow on single upright stems and grow from 1-3 feet tall.

Whorled milkweed is one of the most beneficial milkweeds you can grow as it is native to more of the United States than any other milkweed and it blooms later than other milkweeds so Monarchs will continue to visit after the other milkweed blooms have stopped. They bloom from July to September. it’s always best to offer at least one milkweed that is native to your area.

The nectar of the flowers attracts many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers and beetles. Whorled Milkweed is deer and rabbit-resistant.

These need cold stratification to germinate. They either need 30 days of less than 45 degree weather outdoors or you can store the seeds in a moist paper towel and sealed in a plastic baggie and placed in your refrigerator for one month. This is needed in warm climates or for any climate when planting at a warmer time of year.

Even with cold stratification, seeds can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks or longer to sprout. Sprouting time varies on weather conditions. In some cases, in warmer climates, the seeds won't sprout until there is a cold snap and voila! Please note that germination is poor at temperatures of 85 degrees and above.

The seeds can also be direct sown in fall in cooler climates so they can go through a natural cold stratification and they will emerge in spring.

Please note that the sap of this plant can cause skin sensitivities in some people. You should always wash your hands after handling milkweed.

Hardy to zones 3-10. Plant in full sun and keep soil moist.

This is for 20 seeds grown with no pesticide use whatsoever.

I combine shipping on all seed orders, you pay one flat fee for as many seeds as you would like for no additional shipping. Orders over $35 for any combination of items in my shop ship for free!

All of my seeds are tested and guaranteed. Most of my seeds are fresh off of my own plants.