UPDATE: Our milkweed nursery in Chula Vista, California is thriving!

 UPDATE: Our milkweed nursery in Chula Vista, California is thriving…

Our Asclepias curassavica seedlings continue to grow. 91 of 96 cells planted late July have germinated.
We did have an outbreak of aphids noticed today. Treated with organic, and safe, Neem oil.
They quickly began to die (see first image).
We have learned that this variety may not be the best or our area, or anywhere in the U.S. It can harbor a spore, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) is a debilitating protozoan parasite that kills the caterpillars. Therefore, we do NOT intend to distribute these plants. We are using them to gain experience growing.
At the suggestion of my good friend and Chicago radio gardening talk show host, Mike Nowak, we are switching to native variety: narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis).
If your garden is in northern Illinois A. currasavica is not hardy. You are too cold. Our latest selection A. fascicularis may not be hardy either. Learn which the good varieties for your area.
Here is a rule-of-thumb: If the milkweed flowers are yellow and orange it is probably bad. If the flowers are pink and white it is probably good.
Seeds of A. fascicularis are on order from a local seed company.
We do not intend to distribute our A. currasavica. But they do give us some experience in propagation and growing.
For more information visit my Facebook pages 'Garden San Diego,' or "Garden Design 'Quick Star Guide.'


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