Description: 75+BLOOD FLOWERMILKWEED / BUTTERFLY WEED SEEDS Growing and Harvesting Guide for Blood Flower (Asclepias rubra) Blood Flower, also known as Asclepias tuberosa or Butterfly Weed, is a beautiful perennial that attracts pollinators, particularly butterflies, and is known for its striking orange-red flowers. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to grow and harvest this stunning plant. Growing Blood Flower 1. Choosing the Right Location Sunlight: Blood Flower thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but performs best in moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. 2. Planting Timing: Spring is the best time to plant, after the last frost. In warmer climates, fall planting can also be successful.Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for growth and airflow.Planting method: If starting from seeds, plant them about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.If using seedlings or divisions, plant them at the same depth they were in their containers. 3. Watering Water regularly, especially for new plants, but do not let the soil become waterlogged.Once established, Blood Flower is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. 4. Fertilizing Fertilize sparingly. An application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can promote growth, but avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to fewer flowers. 5. Mulching Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. 6. Maintenance Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering and prevent overcrowding.Pest Management: Watch for common pests like aphids or caterpillars. Ladybugs and beneficial insects can help control pest populations naturally.Weeding: Regularly remove weeds around the plants to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Harvesting Blood Flower 1. Timing The flowering season typically begins in late spring and continues through summer. Harvest flowers when they are fully open but still vibrant, usually when at least half of the flowers on the flower spike are open. 2. Tools Needed A sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors.A clean container for collecting the harvested flowers. 3. Harvesting Process Cut the blooming flower spikes just above a set of leaves.Handle the flowers gently to prevent bruising. 4. Preserving Flowers For fresh use: Place the stems in water immediately after cutting.For drying: Hang flowers upside down in a cool, dark space with good airflow. Once dried, they can be used in arrangements. 5. Seed Collection (for propagation) After flowering, blood flowers will produce seed pods.Allow seed pods to mature on the plant until they turn brown and begin to open.Collect seeds while still in the pod to prevent them from dispersing too early and planting them in the fall or early spring. Conclusion Growing and harvesting Blood Flower can be a rewarding experience, not just for the vibrant flowers it produces but also for the ecological benefits it offers to pollinators. With the right conditions and care, your Blood Flower plants will thrive, adding beauty to your garden while supporting local wildlife. Enjoy your gardening! As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller's lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters. Our primary goal is to provide you with excellent customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience. 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Price: 1.96 USD
Location: Berwyn, Illinois
End Time: 2024-09-18T07:29:55.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Climate: temperate
Common Name: Milkweed
Color: Multicolor
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Growth Habit: Clumping
MPN: n/a
Soil Type: Loam
Brand: Fresh
Season of Interest: Spring
Life Cycle: Perennial
Type: FLOWER
Watering: Medium
Genus: Zinnia
Sunlight: Full Sun
Features: Flowering, Open-Pollinating
Cultivating Difficulty: Moderate
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States