ABOUT BUTTERFLY MILKWEED
DESCRIPTION
GROWING MILKWEED
GROWING INFO
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Description
Grow Butterfly Milkweed from fresh Asclepias tuberosa flower seeds. Butterfly Milkweed, also known as “Butterfly Weed” will produce beautiful clusters of orange flowers. The plants themselves grow to a mature height of about 18 to 30 inches tall. The Butterfly Milkweed is known for attracting an array of beneficial insects such as bumblebees, lady bugs, hummingbirds and most importantly the endangered Monarch butterfly. Butterfly Milkweed is grown as a perennial flowering plant which will return each year from its deeply established root system.
Asclepias is very important to the Monarch butterfly as it is categorized as a host plant. The caterpillars will enjoy its large, tender leaves and adult Monarchs, as well as many other butterflies look to it for its rich source of nectar. The Butterfly Milkweed can be grown with other varieties such as the Showy Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed & Common Milkweed.
Monarch butterflies occupied much of North America in the many years prior to 2015. Recently, studies have shown that their numbers have dwindled by nearly 96% over the decades, leaving them hanging on the edge of endangerment. This migratory species is exposed to numerous threats along its pilgrimage, but the number one threat it faces is the decrease in Milkweed plants available.
Purchase Asclepias seeds now to help prevent any further decline in the Monarch population. Together we can all help to increase the number of these lovely orange & black creatures that so many of us adore.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Orange
- Height: 18" to 30" Tall
- Width: 20" to 24" Spread
- Season: Perennial
- Zones: All
- Environment: Full Sun
Notes: Milkweed is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Without Milkweed, the Monarch butterfly would likely cease to exist. Seeds will need to be stratified before sowing for best germination.
Sowing The Seed
Asclepias flower seeds will need to go through a process of stratification for successful germination. Place your seed packet in the fridge for roughly 3 to 6 weeks prior to sowing.
Asclepias seeds are best sown indoors, where the environmental conditions can be maintained for optimal growth. Sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last killing frost, at a shallow depth of 1/16” under topsoil. The seeds will require light to germinate, so it is crucial that you do not cover the seeds with much dirt. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Asclepias will enjoy an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day with temperatures of at least 70F to 85F. The soil should be rich in organic matter and also well drained. It is recommended that you combine any hard compact soil with a light fluffy compost to increase drainage. Water daily so that the seeds are kept moist until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Milkweed seeds will show signs of life within 14 to 28 days, but can take up to 40 days to successfully germinate. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 18 to 30 inches tall and can be spaced roughly 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. Butterfly Milkweed is a crucial food source for the Monarch Butterfly. It will also attract an array of other beneficial insects as well.
You can always use the Xerces Milkweed seed finder for additional varieties of Milkweed that we do not carry ourselves.
If you are looking to get a head start on the growing season, we've got you covered! We offer bricks of expanding Coco Coir to act as a growing medium for your plants. We also offer biodegradable CowPots for starting your seeds indoors. CowPots are designed from cow manure and are 100% biodegradable. The supplies below make it easier than ever to get a kick start to your Spring and Summer garden!
Expanding Medium
Single CowPots
CowPot Trays
Always fresh and intended for the current and following growing seasons. Seeds are packaged in water resistant / tear resistant packaging.
Heirlooms have been purposely bred, selected & passed down from generation to generation. They are wholesome picks that will breed true to the parent.
We never knowingly purchases treated seed products. We also do not treat any of our seeds with substances such as neonicotinoid or thyram.
Seed Needs promises to never knowingly purchase or supply genetically modified seed products. We have taken the Safe Seed Pledge!
Front Side
Seed packets by Seed Needs are beautifully illustrated and provide a colorful depiction of the variety inside. We provide the common name, as well as the scientific name, seed quantity and a few specs about the variety to be grown.
Back Side
Each packet contains full growing instructions on the reverse side. Specifications on sowing the seed, growing conditions such as sunlight and moisture preferences and germination and growth information can be found as well. We also provide a QR to scan for easy reordering.
- Always Non-GMO / Untreated.
- Stored in a temperature controlled facility that's free of moisture.
- Always packaged for the current and the following growing seasons.
- True to the varieties advertised.
- 99% pure seed with no added fillers.
- Always Non-GMO / Untreated.
- Stored in a temperature controlled facility that's free of moisture.
- Always packaged for the current and the following growing seasons.
- True to the varieties advertised.
- 99% pure seed with no added fillers.
A SEED COMPANY ON A MISSION FOR CHANGE
Seed Needs has been providing gardeners with quality seed products since 2010 and has shipped millions of packets to happy customers all over the US. We offer flowers, herbs, vegetables, vines, wildflower blends, seed packet collections and seed packet favors.
With the success of our brand, we have kept our promise to continually donate to different organizations and personally sponsor children all over the globe each and every month. We grew our sponsorships from just 1 child to over 100 children worldwide in only a few years. We would like to sincerely thank all who support us because it wouldn't be possible without you!
OUR KIDS
We sponsor over 100 children
worldwide every single month!
We sponsor over 100 children worldwide every single month!
ASPCA
We also donate $400 to combat animal cruelty each & every month.
We also donate $400 to combat animal
cruelty each & every month.
St. Jude
We now commit $250 each month toward St. Jude Children's Hospital!
We now commit $250 each month toward
St. Jude Children's Hospital!
A SEED COMPANY ON A MISSION FOR CHANGE
Seed Needs has been providing gardeners with quality seed products since 2010 and has shipped millions of packets to happy customers all over the US. We offer flowers, herbs, vegetables, vines, wildflower blends, seed packet collections and seed packet favors.
With the success of our brand, we have kept our promise to continually donate to different organizations and personally sponsor children all over the globe each and every month. We grew our sponsorships from just 1 child to over 100 children worldwide in only a few years. We would like to sincerely thank all who support us because it wouldn't be possible without you!
Check out our charitable contributions!