SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Seed To Bloom:
12-14 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Recommended. Sow in pots 8 weeks before last frost, cover lightly with vermiculite or a humidity dome and keep at 68-75°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
About 2 weeks after last frost, when temperatures remain above 50°F.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Tweedia hails from Brazil, where it grows large. In northern areas it grows slowly at first, its clusters of powder-blue flowers with a watercolor wash of turquoise start to bloom by midsummer. Part of the milkweed family, and often called blue milkweed for the slim curved pods enclosing silky seeds that develop in fall. Best in a container in a sheltered sunny spot protected from rain and wind storms that will damage their delicate flowers. Nonetheless, it will continue to bloom throughout fall and can spend the winter indoors as a blooming houseplant. Provide support when setting out and pinch once to encourage branching.
Fertilizer:
One application of organic fertilizer midseason as buds form, will promote robust blooming.
Diseases & Pests:
No serious diseases or pests. Milkweed aphids can infest late in the season and can be controlled by insecticidal soaps.