Desert Milkweed Seed Packet

"Native to southern and eastern California, Desert Milkweed grows in open Oak woodlands. It will do great in other states as well if you have dry arid summers. It can grow very tall, up to 6 feet. Its foliage is a silvery light green and flowers are a creamy color. If you ever drive the stretch between Los Angeles and Las Vegas keep your eyes peeled — Desert Milkweed grows wild along highway 58. Since that stretch can get boring try it as a fun game for the kids or the kid in you!" — Bobby Gendron

The Facts:

• Latin name: Asclepias erosa
• Quantity of seeds per packet: 20
• Monarch butterfly host plant
• White and yellow flowers
• Native to California, Nevada, and Arizona
• Hardy perennial
• 48" - 60" tall
• Blooms from June until September
• Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 - 11

Growing Instructions: Start Desert 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.

Desert Milkweed Range Map:

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

Desert Milkweed is native to the following states: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah