Asclepias Oscar

Discover the Unique Beauty of Asclepias Oscar (Hairy Balls Milkweed)

Introducing Asclepias Oscar seeds, a truly distinctive plant celebrated for its unusual and abundant decorative seed pods. While it produces delicate white flowers with lavender-colored centers that attract butterflies, including Monarchs, ‘Oscar’ is primarily grown for its fascinating 2 to 3-inch, papery, lime-green seed pods. These round, balloon-like pods, covered in soft bristles, make an exceptional and eye-catching addition to large fresh or dried floral arrangements, serving beautifully as a centerpiece on their own. The sturdy, gracefully arched branches with neat, bamboo-like foliage also make this plant a vigorous and attractive addition to flower beds and borders.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Unusual and Abundant Seed Pods: Prized for its unique 2-3″ papery, lime-green, balloon-like seed pods that are highly decorative.
• Excellent Cut Flower: Perfect for creating striking and long-lasting fresh or dried arrangements.
• Pollinator Attraction: White flowers with lavender centers attract butterflies, including Monarchs, and serve as a host plant for their caterpillars.
• Sturdy and Tall Plants: Reaches a height of 32-72 inches, adding vertical interest to the garden.
• Versatile Use: Beautiful in flower beds and borders, as well as a standout in floral design.
• Long-Lasting Dried Element: Seed pods retain their lime-green color and balloon-like form when dried.
• Perennial in Warmer Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, typically grown as an annual in colder climates.

Growing Information:

Transplant Recommended: Sow seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before your last expected frost, 1/4 inch deep into a seed starting mix. Be mindful of taproot development and transplant into larger cell packs or 3-4 inch pots 3-5 weeks after sowing to avoid rootbound plants. Harden off seedlings and transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sow: Can be direct sown in the fall or spring.

Germination: Expect germination in 14-21 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Some sources suggest a 7-14 day cold stratification may improve germination.

Growing Conditions: Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ranging from sandy loam to even poor soil. Space plants 12-24 inches apart.

Harvesting: Harvest stems when ½ to ⅔ of the flowers on the stem are open. If stems wilt after harvest, rehydrate them in water for 24 hours.

Caution: The milky sap of this plant may cause eye and skin irritation in sensitive individuals. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Handle with care.

Product Specifications:

• Product Name: Asclepias Oscar Seeds
• Flower Color: White with Lavender Centers
• Seed Pod Color: Lime-Green
• Seed Pod Size: 2-3 inches
• Plant Height: 32–72 inches (Varies)
• Plant Spacing: 12-24 inches
• Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (Perennial), Annual elsewhere
• Days to Germination: 14-21 days
• Sowing Method: Transplant recommended, direct sow possible
• Packet Size: 50 seeds

Caution: Milky sap may cause eye and skin irritation. All parts of plant are poisonous if eaten.