Swan Milkweed Seeds, Gomphocarpus fruticosus

Description

Swan Milkweed (Gomphocarpus fruticosus) is often confused with Balloon/Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus).  Easy enough to do because the seeds, plants and blooms are indistinguishable from each other.  The only difference is the shape of the pods.  Balloon are round and Swan have a slight point to the ends.  An African native -annual in cold regions. Delicate creamy white flowers weep from stalks that quickly grow 6-8 feet long, branching slightly. Long narrow leaves. Pods are green and knobby with soft spikes that look like hairs. Good container plant. Pinching back while young makes a bushier plant. These are a huge Monarch attractants for egg laying.  The tender leaves are perfect for the smaller caterpillars.

Instructions: Slow germinator: 10 – 28 days. Warm water soak for 1 wk. Then, clipping pointy end speeds up root emergence. (Method 3.1 in post) Pour out onto soil. Keep moist & warm until fully germinated. Prefers full sun. A seed heating mat is recommended if starting indoors.  Seeds do not need cold stratified.