Growing Non-GMO Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias Flower Seeds

Seeds require vernalization before continuing with the following steps. Either plant out in the fall and let nature do the work or place the seeds in the freezer for a few weeks before planting in the springtime. Plant seeds outdoors directly into the prepared soil any time in spring or early summer. Water in the seeds with a mister. Optionally, begin the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Germinate the seeds at alternating temps of 60F at night and 85F during the day. Seeds germinate poorly in temperatures above 85F. When the seedlings have at least two true leaves, harden off and then transplant outdoors according to the spacing guidelines provided.

Blooming occasionally happens in the first year but will definitely happen in the second. Plant in a sunny location with average richness in the soil. They even grow freely in rocky and disturbed areas. If you wish to inhibit spreading, remove the flower stalks after flowering to limit seed production. Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias has low to moderate water requirements. Fertilization is not necessary. The milkweed will return each year and continue to provide color and habitat to the environment.

Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias in the Flower Garden

These Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias will gladly attract monarch butterflies, bees, and other insects to pollinate your garden. Asclepias plants readily find their home in all types of gardens with their bright orange blooms. They can effortlessly blend into wildflower, pollinator and cottage gardens; they thrive in naturalized meadows and native gardens.

Landscape Use of Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias

Milkweed makes a wonderful choice for mass plantings and open fields. They are typically part of wildflower mixes. They play well with other perennial bloomers. Butterfly Milkweed is known to be deer and rabbit-resistant.

About Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias Garden Seeds

In order to preserve the monarch butterfly population, it is recommended not to harvest these as cut flowers.

Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Milkweed, Indian Paintbrush, and Butterfly Weed is a timeless flower native to the eastern United States. Asclepias tuberosa earns the name Butterfly Weed because of its potent and nectar-rich blooms which specifically are the food of choice by monarch butterflies in their larval/caterpillar stage, as well as fully matured butterflies.

Milkweed is the only plant that monarch butterfly caterpillars eat. For this reason, it is absolutely crucial that there be a large amount of this plant to support the population of monarchs. As milkweed numbers decline, so do monarch butterflies.

Although Asclepias (milkweed) is crucial to our environment, it is known to be toxic if ingested by humans and animals. Try to keep this plant away from pets and humans who may have a tendency towards eating plants.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Milkweed is a wildflower that is meant to survive on its own. Although germination can be tricky at times, nature always prevails!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg Packet - Approximately 35 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 64,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.