Red Swamp Milkweed Seeds 6985

Red Swamp Milkweed Seeds – 6985

Perennial | Native Wildflower | Monarch Host Plant

Red Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a stunning, native perennial that produces clusters of deep pink to reddish blooms from mid to late summer. This moisture-loving milkweed is not only beautiful, but also serves as a critical host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars and a vital nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, wet meadows, and naturalized landscapes, Red Swamp Milkweed grows 90–150 cm (3–5 feet) tall and adds vibrant color and wildlife value to any space. It's hardy in Zones 3–9 and thrives in moist to wet soils, making it a standout in less conventional garden sites.

Key Features

• Deep pink to red flower clusters.
• Grows 90–150 cm (3–5 feet) tall.
• Essential host plant for Monarch caterpillars.
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators..
• Thrives in wet or consistently moist soils.
• Perennial hardy in Zones 3–9.
• Native North American wildflower.

How to Grow Red Swamp Milkweed

Cold Stratification Required:

• For best germination, cold stratify seeds for 30 days:
  • Mix seeds with moist sand or paper towel in a plastic bag.
  • Refrigerate at 2–5°C. (35–40°F)
  • After 30 days, sow directly or start indoors.

Sowing Instructions:

• Outdoors (Spring/Fall): Sow in early spring after stratification or in late fall for natural overwintering.
• Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before last frost after cold stratification.
• Depth: 6 mm (¼ inch); lightly press into soil.
• Spacing: 30–45 cm (12–18") apart.
• Germination Time: 10–21 days at 18–24°C (65–75°F).

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Moist to wet, rich in organic matter.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist—ideal for rain gardens and pond margins.

Care Tips:

• Cut back dead stems in late fall or early spring.
• Can be grown in containers with adequate water.
• Let seed pods mature if you want natural reseeding.