Also known as Milkweed · 5k saves
Asclepias
Asclepias, the genus most gardeners know as milkweed. We track 15 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 15 most-saved Asclepias varieties
6 species of Asclepias
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Asclepias in Sow
Save the Asclepias you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Asclepias
Whats common across all Asclepias varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 15 most-grown of them.
The Asclepias year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March87% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth emerges
- Check for PestsMay–August73% of varieties
Monitor for bright yellow Oleander Aphids; spray with water if necessary
- PlantMarch, April, September and October67% of varieties
Plant small starts or bare roots; difficult to transplant once established
- HarvestAugust–October40% of varieties
Harvest seed pods when dry and splitting for propagation
- DeadheadJune–August33% of varieties
Remove spent flowers early in the season to encourage more blooms
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter
- Water consistently during dry spells 💧
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Asclepias
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Milkweed Bugs | Orange and black bugs clustering on developing seed pods | Largely cosmetic; remove by hand if seed is being saved |
| Milkweed bugs | Damage to leaves and seed pods | Handpick bugs or use insecticidal soap |
| Milkweed Bug | Stunted growth, yellowing leaves | Handpick bugs or use neem oil spray |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use sulfur-based fungicide or organic neem oil |
Making more Asclepias
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks until germination.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 4 inches tall, after last frost.
Division
- Divide mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil
Asclepias questions
How many types of Asclepias are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 15 distinct Asclepias varieties. The most popular — ranked by 5k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Asclepias grow in?
Across its varieties, Asclepias covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Asclepias bloom?
Most Asclepias varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Asclepias should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.