Asclepias fascicularis## HOW TO GROW MILKWEED, NARROWLEAF Direct sow in the fall or sow indoors 8 weeks before last frost. If you sow indoors, cold stratify the seeds for 12 weeks in the refrigerator before planting. Sow seeds 1/2” deep. If direct sowing, space seeds 4-6” apart, and plant transplants 3’-4’ apart. Keep seeds evenly moist when germinating, and water only periodically in the summer as plants are drought tolerant and grow deep taproots. Hardiness zones 6-10. Perennial.Planting Depth 1/2"Days to Germ. 10-20Plant Spacing 3’-4’Row Spacing 3’-4’Storage RefrigerateFull Sun, Dry Climate ##Narrowleaf Milkweed is the sole source of food for Monarch butterflies. The butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on Milkweed plants. The plants grow 2-4’ tall and attract other pollinators as well with their deliciously fragrant flowers that bloom from June through September. This perennial may not bloom in its first year, but after establishing a deep taproot to ensure survival in drought conditions, it will grow more vigorous and blossom in subsequent seasons. If the greenish/whitish whorled leaves appear eaten, it’s a good sign that monarch caterpillars are eating! Harvest seed pods before they split open. Prune the plant back to a 1” stick in the fall to encourage winter dormancy. Tags: Harvest: Mid, Color: Pink, Size: Medium, Specialty: Drought Tolerant, Season: Late Spring, Summer.Narrowleaf, California Narrowleaf, or Mexican whorled milkweed is native to the Western United States and Baja California. It thrives in numerous habitats that include deserts, chaparral hillsides, and woodlands.
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