Oscar Asclepias Seed

Sturdy, gracefully arched branches with neat, bamboo-like foliage. White flowers with lavender-colored centers develop into large, papery seed pods. Plants are grown primarily for their 2–3″ decorative seed pods, but the big, sturdy plants also make a vigorous and attractive addition to flower beds and borders. Excellent for large arrangements, dried arrangements, or alone as a centerpiece. Seed pods maintain lime-green color and balloon-like form when dried. Perennial in Zones 9–11. Also known as hairy balls, swan plant, swan milkweed, and balloon plant. Ht. 32–72″. Avg. . Packet: 50 seeds

DAYS TO GERMINATION:14-21 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Stratification for Pleurisy Root only: Moisten,cover with plastic, and refrigerate at 40-50°F (4-10°C) for 7-14 days. After stratification, seeds should be brought into warmer temperatures to germinate.

SOWING:Transplant (recommended) – Sow 7-9 weeks before season grow. Sow 1/4″ deep into a seed starting mix. Begins taproot growth upon germination. Do not allow to become pot bound at any time as plants will deteriorate rapidly. Transplant into larger cell packs or 3-4″ pots 3-5 weeks after sowing. Harden off and transplant outdoors in season grow. Direct seed – Can be direct sown in the fall or spring.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT: Varies.
PLANT SPACING: 12-24″.
HARDINESS ZONES: Varies.
HARVEST: 1/2 to 2/3 of flowers are open. If stems wilt after harvest, rehydrate in water for 24 hours. CAUTION: Milky sap may cause eye and skin irritation.
SOIL: Well-drained, sandy loam to poor soil.
USES: Cut flower. Borders, containers, and butterfly gardens.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asclepias spp.