I’m looking for some detailed information on growing native milkweed, Asclepias Tuberosa. I bought the seed and started them indoors in February. Here’s my issue, they don’t seem to be growing. The plants have stayed only about 5″ tall. Now, I have read that this one sends down a tap root. So maybe that’s what the plant is working on?? I will say though I made the mistake of growing the Common milkweed, not knowing it spreads by rhizomes but that plant grew the same way and I actually thought it died. Nope! I’m now fighting it in my garden as it is really aggressive. So, what are the developemental stages of Asclepias Tuberosa? Is it as slow growing as it looks? Any info from any person out there would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards, Aimee
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Hi Aimee,
Like other milkweeds, butterfly weed can be difficult to transplant. When I first grew it from seed for my garden, I found that only about half of the new plants took. They did very well and went on to self sow like mad, but the other half of the transplants simply disappeared! I had winter sown them and then potted up the seedlings to grow them on a bit before planting. I think the tap root resented the double handling. I did a second batch the next year and this time I planted them directly as very young seedlings, maybe only one or two sets of true leaves, and those did better. At this point, I don’t plant it because it self-sows, but if I do it again I’ll definitely go the winter sown young transplant route. I find most milkweeds to be a bit mysterious in their growth habits and preferences and am currently working on getting a poke milkweed patch going. Some of those transplants disappeared after the first year and I’m really not sure why! I have a bunch more seedlings going and will plant them out soon. We shall see! Anyway, my advice with milkweeds is to over plant them, figuring some may not take.
Hey Chloe, Thank you so much for taking the time to give me that information. I will definitely utilize your advice.
You’re welcome. Let us know how they progress, if you have a moment!