Butterflyweed

Scientific Name: Ascelpias tuberosa

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zones 4 to 9

Approximate number of seeds per gram (ounce) : 150 (4,000)

Sun: full sun

Water: keep soil moderately moist during germination, do not overwater

Soil:  lightly cover with sandy, well-drained slightly acidic soil

Temperature: 21 to 24 degrees Celsius (70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit)

Spacing: 15 to 18 inches apart once seedlings are two to three inches in height

Germination Time: 21 to 90 days

Popular with bees and butterflies, butterflyweed is an excellent natural addition to a butterfly garden.  Grows to three feet with clusters of red flowers.  Germination benefits from pre-chilling the seed for two or three weeks prior to sowing.  Flowers from July to September.