AN26037
Swan Plant
Milkweed Seeds
Swan Milkweed, Balloon Plant, Hairy Balls
Gomphocarpus physocarpus, syn. Asclepias physocarpa
Swan Plants grow tall and willowy, quickly reaching about 4-6 ft. tall and 3-4 ft. wide. Many loose, downward-facing flower clusters have 3-10 cream-colored, waxy star-shaped blooms, which begin to open in midsummer. They are followed by showy round balloon-like seed pods, covered in soft bristles. Once the seeds have ripened, the light green pods change to a tan color and break open, allowing the seeds to disperse in the wind, using the attached silky white tufts as tiny parachutes.
Closely related to milkweeds and butterfly weeds (Asclepias spp.), Swan Plant is a much-favored larval host for Monarch butterflies, who lay their eggs on the undersides of the medium green foliage. The emerging larvae (caterpillars) eat the narrow leaves and tender stems, often leaving the remaining plant with little or no foliage before starting their metamorphosis into adult butterflies.
To best ensure plentiful food for caterpillars while still having some plants to left to bloom and develop seed pods, grow multiple plants in your garden, at least 4 or more. Swan Plant is a tender perennial, winter hardy to zone 8, that blooms the first year. It may be grown as an annual in any zone.
Growing Swan Plant Milkweed Seeds
Sow seeds in cell packs or flats, press into soil and lightly cover. Kept at 70-85°F germination is in 14-30 days. Can direct sow into prepared seed beds in groups of 3-4 seeds, spaced 1-2 ft. apart. Thin to the strongest plant.
Shipping Information
U.S. Shipping Rates
Free shipping on U.S. orders over $50.00.
Free priority shipping on U.S. orders over $175.00.
Standard U.S. shipping is $7.99.
Priority U.S. shipping is $10.99.
International Shipping Rates
Shipping to Canada is $17.99.
International shipping to all other countries is $19.99.
Satisfaction Guarantee
We guarantee all the seeds we sell for one full year from the date of purchase. If you are unsatisfied with any seeds purchased from Swallowtail Garden Seeds, we will issue a refund. For customers in the U.S., we can send one-time replacements or issue a refund.
