California Milkweed Seed Packet

The Facts:

• Latin name: Asclepias californica
• Quantity of seeds per packet: 20
• Monarch butterfly host plant
• Maroon and pink flowers
• Native to California
• Hardy perennial
• 12" - 24" tall
• Blooms from April until May
• Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 - 11

Growing Instructions: Start California Milkweed seeds outdoors in late November. Pick a location with full sun and prepare soil for good drainage, if needed. Plant seeds 1/8" deep and 18” apart, using 3 seeds per hole. Water once, and then allow the winter rain and/or snow to provide moisture until the spring. The seeds will germinate 10 - 20 days after the danger of nighttime freezing has past. Once the seedlings reach 1", thin out so you have individual plants spaced 18” apart. Water regularly allowing the soil to go nearly dry between each watering. Fertilize monthly in the summer with a general purpose fertilizer. If you prefer to plant the seeds outdoors in the spring, read our detailed instructions on cold moist stratification.

California Milkweed Range Map:

Map ©: Kartesz, J.T. 2013. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP).

California Milkweed is native to the following state: California