{"product_id":"25-tropical-milkweed-seeds-red-orange-flowers-monarch-host-plant","title":"25 Tropical Milkweed Seeds - Red-Orange Flowers, Monarch Host Plant","description":"\u003cp\u003eTropical Milkweed (\u003cem\u003eAsclepias curassavica\u003c\/em\u003e) is a vibrant, fast-growing perennial often grown as an annual in cooler climates. It produces clusters of striking red-orange and yellow flowers that bloom from summer through fall, attracting monarch butterflies and other pollinators. This milkweed is a well-known host plant for monarch caterpillars, making it a valuable addition to butterfly gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith its bright, long-lasting blooms and easy-going nature, tropical milkweed is an excellent choice for borders, containers, and meadow plantings. It thrives in full sun and tolerates a range of soil conditions, though it performs best in well-drained, moderately moist soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVibrant red-orange and yellow flower clusters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts monarch butterflies and other pollinators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHost plant for monarch caterpillars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong bloom season from summer to fall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast-growing and easy to cultivate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAsclepias curassavica\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perennial (often grown as annual)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, moderately moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; drought-tolerant once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, bushy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8-11 (grown as annual elsewhere)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer to fall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2-4 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-24 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow tropical milkweed seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Press seeds into the soil surface and lightly cover with 1\/8 inch of soil, as light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs in 10-20 days at temperatures around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, transplant them to their final location after hardening off.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish, then reduce watering as they become more drought-tolerant. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage continued blooming. In cooler zones, tropical milkweed is often grown as an annual, but it may self-seed in favorable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e25 Tropical Milkweed seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67776116818230,"sku":"FOLIA-157","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6661956448_bi7m.jpg?v=1792467835","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/25-tropical-milkweed-seeds-red-orange-flowers-monarch-host-plant","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}