Milkweed 'Common'

Milkweed - Common (Asclepias syriaca)

Rooted in the heart of North America’s meadows, Common Milkweed—stands as both a symbol of wild beauty and vital life. Its rounded clusters of blush-pink flowers open through the warmth of summer, releasing a soft fragrance that hums with visiting wings. Bees, butterflies, and countless native pollinators find solace among its blooms, while monarch caterpillars feed exclusively upon its tender leaves.

There is a quiet grandeur to this species: sturdy stems crowned with pastel spheres, seed pods ripening into silken down as autumn nears. In the garden, it pairs beautifully with cosmos for a soft, romantic sweep, or beside strawflowers to anchor their papery texture in something living and perennial. A flower that embodies resilience, connection, and the native spirit of summer fields.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Perennial

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 14 - 21 days at 18 - 21°C

HEIGHT: 34 - 48"

MATURITY: 120 - 130 Days

SPACING: 12 -24"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Stratification (Recommended): To mimic natural winter conditions and break dormancy, the seeds require a period of cold.  Moisten seeds in a handful of peat moss or vermiculite, place them in a sealed plastic bag, and refrigerate (cold stratification) at 1-4°C for 30 to 60 days. Alternative: Sow seeds outdoors in late fall/early winter (winter sowing), allowing nature to provide the necessary cold period.

Transplant (Recommended): Sow stratified seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow 1/4 inch deep into a seed starting mix. This plant develops a taproot upon germination.⁴ Do not allow the seedlings to become pot-bound at any time, as their health will rapidly deteriorate. Transplant seedlings into larger cell packs or 3-4 inch pots just 3-5 weeks after sowing. Harden off the plants and transplant outdoors after the last frost.

Direct Seed: Can be direct sown in the fall (best results, as stratification occurs naturally) or in the spring (using pre-stratified seeds).

Soil, Fertilizing, and Watering: Unlike other Asclepias, Swamp Milkweed thrives in moist to wet soils, making it perfect for rain gardens, borders, or near pond edges. It prefers rich soil but will tolerate average conditions. Fertilizing is usually not necessary. If the soil is very poor, a light application of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be used in spring. This plant requires consistent moisture throughout the season and will tolerate temporary standing water. Do not let the soil dry out.

Maintenance and Tips: Cut back the stalks after flowering to a few inches above the ground to encourage a second, smaller bloom. Deadheading before seed pods mature will prevent prolific self-seeding. This is a key host plant for Monarch caterpillars.