Milkweed Seeds – Tropical

Milkweed Seeds – Tropical Variety produce vibrant, long-blooming plants that are essential for supporting pollinators, especially Monarch butterflies. Known for their bright orange and red flowers, Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) adds a striking tropical touch to gardens, borders, and butterfly habitats. The plant’s nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the warm months, making it a must-have for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Tropical Milkweed thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil. It is a tender perennial in warm climates but can be grown as an annual in cooler zones. This hardy, easy-to-grow plant also performs well in containers, garden beds, and wildflower areas.

Features:

• Type: Tender perennial (grown as annual in cooler zones)

• Common Name (US): Tropical Milkweed

• Scientific Name: Asclepias curassavica

• Flower Color: Orange, red, and yellow

• Growth Habit: Upright and bushy

• Height: 24–36 inches (60–90 cm)

• Soil Requirement: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

• Sunlight: Full sun

• Watering: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil but tolerates short dry spells

• Bloom Time: Late spring through fall

• Special Feature: Excellent nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators

Specifications:

• Planting Season: Spring or early summer after the last frost

• Hardiness Zones (USDA): Zones 8–11 (annual in Zones 4–7)

• Sowing Method: Direct sow outdoors after frost or start indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting

• Germination Time: 10–21 days

• Germination Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C)

• Spacing Between Plants: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)

• Mature Plant Height: 2–3 feet (60–90 cm)

• Best Growing Months:

  • Northern Zones (4–6): May to September

  • Mid Zones (7–8): April to October

  • Southern Zones (9–11): March to November

• Maintenance: Low; remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming

• Uses: Butterfly gardens, pollinator beds, wildflower meadows, and ornamental borders