Milkvetch ( Astragalus canadensis ) is a perennial plant native to Quebec, belonging to the Fabaceae family. It generally reaches a height of 60 to 120 cm and produces, from June to August, clusters of cream to yellowish pea-shaped flowers.
2. Sowing
-
Difficulty level : Medium
-
Type of sowing : Indoors or directly in the ground
-
Sowing Technique : The seeds have physical dormancy due to their hard seed coat. To improve germination, it is recommended to scarify the seeds by rubbing them lightly with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
-
Sowing depth : Approximately 0.5 cm
-
Germination days : 14 to 30 days
-
Germination temperature : 20 to 25C
3. Culture
-
Ease of cultivation : Average
-
Growing season : Spring to fall
-
Transplanting : If sown indoors, transplant seedlings after the last frost (late May to early June in zone 5-6)
-
Plant spacing : 45 to 60 cm between plants
-
Hardiness Zone : 3 to 7
-
Light : Full sun to partial shade
-
Soil Type : Well-drained soils, preferably sandy or loamy
-
Soil pH : Neutral to slightly alkaline
-
Soil Moisture : Moderate, tolerates periods of drought once established
-
Soil fertility : Not very demanding, enriches the soil with nitrogen thanks to its fixing capacity
-
Time before flowering : 2 to 3 years after sowing
-
Watering : Regular during establishment, then moderate
-
Other characteristics : Attracts pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. It is also used in phytoremediation to improve soil quality.
4. Use
Ideal for naturalistic gardens, flower meadows and ecological restoration projects, milkvetch contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem health.
5. Companionship
-
Friendly plants : Asters, rudbeckias, echinaceas
-
Enemy plants : None known
This native plant is well adapted to Quebec’s climates and is an excellent choice for gardeners wishing to promote biodiversity and enrich their garden soil.
Unconditional Satisfaction Guarantee
