Asclepias cornuti COMMON MILKWEED (10 seeds)

Green Parrot Plant, also known as Common Milkweed, Silkweed, or Asclepias cornuti in Latin, is a plant belonging to the Asclepiadaceae family. A fast-growing species, it can reach a height of 2 meters. It is a hardy perennial native to North America that now thrives throughout Europe.

Its flowers grow in umbels. White and pink in color, they bloom from June until early August. They are highly fragrant and release a delicious, sweet scent.

The milkweed is unique for its very original fruits, which measure 10 to 15 cm in length. They have a rough texture and a shape that strikingly resembles a green parrot. Fruiting generally begins after 2 to 3 years.

Green parrot plant seeds are flat, dark brown, smooth, and measure an average of 8 millimeters in length. They possess a silky tuft (coma) that allows them to be easily dispersed by the wind in October.

The opposite leaves of Asclepias cornuti are thick and quite long, reaching 15 to 20 cm. When cut, they secrete a white, toxic latex.

- Uses:

Ornamental: It is primarily grown in gardens for the beauty and scent of its flowers, as well as the novelty of its "exotic bird" shaped fruits.

Historical: The latex from its leaves was once used in rubber production.

Ecological: It attracts many insects, particularly bees and butterflies (it is a vital host for Monarch butterflies).

Industrial: The "floss" or "silk" inside the fruit (the kapok-like fibers) is used for stuffing comforters and pillows.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow green parrot plant begins in March while it is still cold, allowing the seeds to benefit from natural stratification.
• If sowing later in the year, artificially stratify the seeds by placing them in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks before germination.
• Prepare small pots with fine horticultural soil and sow seeds flat in pairs.
• Bury the seeds 0.5 cm deep and press the soil down firmly.
• Water gently using a spray bottle.
• Place the plantation in a greenhouse at a temperature of 30°C. Germination will start 2 to 3 weeks after the stratification and sowing process.

- Soil Type and Substrate:

To grow milkweed effectively, the soil must be well-drained. Use a fertile substrate rich in minerals. For pot culture, using clay pebbles is recommended to facilitate drainage.

- Exposure and Light:

The parrot plant appreciates full sun to encourage flowering and the subsequent production of its small "green parrots."

- Temperature and Hardiness:

It grows very well in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. It is a very hardy plant that easily withstands heavy frosts during winter. Its USDA hardiness zone is 3-9.

- Watering and Irrigation:

During the first 3 months after planting young seedlings, it is important to water them twice a week if the weather is hot and dry. Once established, no watering is necessary, as the plant handles heatwaves very well.

- Propagation:

There are two ways to easily propagate the parrot plant: by sowing seeds or by root division.

- Pests and Diseases:

It is rarely susceptible to diseases, though it is occasionally attacked by yellow aphids.

- Maintenance:

At the end of the year, it is time to harvest the "small birds" and prune the dry branches back to the base of the plant before winter sets in.