Re: Asclepias from seed

In a message dated 12/23/2000 8:56:54 AM Central Standard Time, 
WHTROS@aol.com writes:

<< I got my seed from Thompson & Morgan.
 The pkg. say Asclepias X Gay Butterflies Mixed.
 Their comments on the pkg. are:
 Germination can be slow.
 After sowing, seal the container in a poly bag and leave at 60-65F for 2 
wks, 
 then place in a refrigerator for 3-6 wks.  The return to the recommended 
germ 
 temp. 
 
 So, do you think I can skip the pre-chilling and use your hot water method?
 
 I've had very poor results with ASCLEPIAS in the past and am hopeful (as 
 ever) to get better results this year.
 
 Thanks for your help.
 Barbara >>

The 'Gay Butterflies' are what I have growing right now.  Below is the wright 
up I have for Asclepias tuberosa-including 'Gay Butterflies'

__---___--_-------------------------------------------------------


Asclepias tuberosa -- "Butterfly Weed" Plants with deep tap roots producing 
bright orange flowers in summer. Loved 
by the Monarch Butterfly. Full sun to light shade, dry to moist soils, Does 
well even in very sandy soils, takes heat and drought 
very well.  Plants are very late to brake their dormancy in the spring so be 
careful not to plant a new plant in its spot or cut the 
top off the root when working the soil.  Flowers the second year from 
seeding. The flower color is very unique bright orange 
and makes a very showy display.
Once plants are established, they will live many years and can be difficult 
to remove.  I had one plant that was dug out of the 
ground three years in a row.  The tap root can go down a few feet and when 
digging up the plant it is not always possible to get 
all the roots. This being the case the plants can grow back from the left 
over roots.  But do not worry -- plants are never weedy 
and stay were they are planted.
I find them very appealing if planted with a shady back ground were the 
flower color then stands out starkly or mixed in with 
tall upright growing plants.  A combination I enjoyed very much was an odd 
paring with Iris pseudacorus.
Plants are hardy in zones 4-9. This species is native Central and Eastern 
United States.

Asclepias X tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' - Plants grow 24" to 36" tall, with 
bright golden yellow flowers, a nice color selection. 
Zones 4-9.

Asclepias X tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies Mix' - Plants grow 24" tall, many 
different shades of red, orange and yellow. Zones 
4-9. Loved very much by butterflies.  Soak seeds in hot water for 2 days, 
changing the water ever 12 hours with 
fresh water, Surface sow-light helps with germination. Germination in one to 
three weeks at F. 70.

Paul

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