Description
It is a large shrub growing to 4 m tall. It has clusters of waxy flowers that are either white or lavender in colour. Each flower consists of five pointed petals and a small “crown” rising from the center which holds the stamens. The aestivation found in calotropis is valvate i.e. sepals or petals in a whorl just touch one another at the margin, without overlapping. The plant has oval, light green leaves and milky stem. The latex of Calotropis gigantea contains cardiac glycosides, fatty acids, and calcium oxalate. The roots also contain Calotropone.
The flowers are long lasting, and in Thailand they are used in floral arrangements. The extract of flowers and leaves has shown hypoglycemic effect in preclinical studies.
Germination Guide
🌍 Southeast Asia (India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
Easy
Calotropis gigantea var. white, commonly known as crown flower or giant milkweed, is a large tropical shrub native to Southeast Asia, prized for its stunning white waxy flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters. This fast-growing milkweed family member is drought-tolerant and serves as an essential host plant for monarch and other butterfly species. Seeds germinate readily within 10-60 days when provided warm temperatures and proper pre-treatment.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
10 – 60 days
Temperature
Min 25°C
Ideal 25°C
Max 29°C
Substrate moisture
💧 Medium
Sowing depth
Lightly covered
Seed Pre-treatment
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💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours after scarification to further soften the seed coat and improve germination
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🔨
Mechanical scarification
Gently scarify seeds with sandpaper or nick with a knife to break the hard seed coat and enhance water absorption
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📋
Additional notes
Remove pod debris, scarify seeds mechanically, then soak in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Use a heated seedling mat to maintain optimal temperature between 77-84°F (25-29°C)
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Well-draining seed starting mix: mixture of peat moss with sand, perlite, or vermiculite
Recommended container
Seed tray or small pots
Growing Tips
Always remove remaining pod material and debris from seeds before treatment. Scarify mechanically using sandpaper or a knife to break dormancy. Maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Use a heated mat to maintain steady temperature of 77-84°F (25-29°C) for optimal germination. Light press seeds into soil surface; they prefer shallow planting. Seedlings emerge quickly and grow vigorously. Provide ample light once seedlings appear. Be cautious: the plant's white variety is toxic—handle with care and keep away from children and pets. Plants are extremely drought-tolerant once established but seedlings benefit from regular moisture. Excellent for overwintering in containers in annual zones. Can also propagate successfully from softwood stem cuttings using rooting hormone.
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