Deno’s Garden

Asclepias tuberosa

Genus Asclepias

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.

The plant

Habit
Perennial, Forb/herb
Height
2.0 ft
Flower
Orange
Blooms
Mid Summer
Native range
Canada, lower 48 states

Growing conditions

Sun
Shade tolerance: High
Moisture
Moisture use: Low

Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.

Source: PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS.

This source reports three treatments. All are shown.

Protocol 1

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around September 30, 2026 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C Light: either

  2. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C Light: either

about 6 months from start to sowing. Then 7 days to germinate.

100% germination in 2–7 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Asclepias p. 103Public domain
Show the original text
Asclepias (Asclepiadaceae). The four species studied have wind born seed indicating that DS is tolerated. This was generally true; but some deterioration on DS was noted in A. tuberosa germ. best in 40-70(100% in 2-7d) using either fresh seed or seed DS 6 m at 70 or 40 and less. in 70-40-70(75%). Outdoor treatment germ. 100% in March from fall sowing of fresh seed in accord with the 40-70 pattern. Light had no effect, and in particular, it did not induce immediate germination at 70. However, GA-3 treatment did effect immediate germination in 70D with 58% germ. in 4-14 d.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Asclepias p. 103. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 2

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

  1. Sow outdoors and leave it

    Up in March.

No stated waiting before sowing.

100% germination.

This source doesn't state how long.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Asclepias p. 103Public domain
Show the original text
Asclepias (Asclepiadaceae). The four species studied have wind born seed indicating that DS is tolerated. This was generally true; but some deterioration on DS was noted in A. tuberosa germ. best in 40-70(100% in 2-7d) using either fresh seed or seed DS 6 m at 70 or 40 and less. in 70-40-70(75%). Outdoor treatment germ. 100% in March from fall sowing of fresh seed in accord with the 40-70 pattern. Light had no effect, and in particular, it did not induce immediate germination at 70. However, GA-3 treatment did effect immediate germination in 70D with 58% germ. in 4-14 d.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Asclepias p. 103. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 3

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around June 19, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on June 18, 2026.

  1. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C Light: either

  2. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C Light: either

  3. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C Light: either

about 9 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

75% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Asclepias p. 103Public domain
Show the original text
Asclepias (Asclepiadaceae). The four species studied have wind born seed indicating that DS is tolerated. This was generally true; but some deterioration on DS was noted in A. tuberosa germ. best in 40-70(100% in 2-7d) using either fresh seed or seed DS 6 m at 70 or 40 and less. in 70-40-70(75%). Outdoor treatment germ. 100% in March from fall sowing of fresh seed in accord with the 40-70 pattern. Light had no effect, and in particular, it did not induce immediate germination at 70. However, GA-3 treatment did effect immediate germination in 70D with 58% germ. in 4-14 d.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Asclepias p. 103. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.