Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) Quick Facts:
Host plant to Monarch and Queen butterflies, nectar to many
Annual in most of US, perennial in USDA zones 8b-11
**Must cut back in the fall in USDA zones 9-11 to prevent build up of the parasite OE.**
Not native, naturalized in tropical zones
Hardy in USDA zones 8b-11
Prefers full sun
Moist, well-drained soil
Red and yellow flowers bloom summer through fall
3-5 feet tall
Space 18-24 inches apart
Grows easily from seed and produces many seed pods
Quick growing
Please see complete growing conditions and details for Tropical Milkweed Plants (Asclepias curassavica) under our seed description.
barbaraagreene (verified owner) –
I live in Zone 9b and have purchased about 30 milkweed plants and nectar plants from Joyful Butterfly. My yard is becoming a haven for Monarchs. Found 15 Monarch eggs on the milkweed this week! Several have hatched and are happily munching away. So thankful for quality milkweed to help the Monarchs flourish!
DERRILYN (verified owner) –
I live in Oklahoma and we have raised hundreds of Monarch babies and Swallowtail babies. The milkweed plants I have received from Joyful Butterfly are beautiful, strong healthy plants and are a lifesaver here when the milkweed runs out.
vsf82 (verified owner) –
I ordered 2 & received them pretty quickly. they are very healthy & hearty plants. The Tropical Milkweed is about 3 foot tall with huge leaves on them. Just a beautiful & very healthy plant!