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.
- Type: Flower
- Color: Orange
- Height: 18" to 30" Tall
- Width: 20" to 24" Spread
- Season: Perennial
- Zones: All
- Environment: Full Sun
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.
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.
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.
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.
Always fresh and intended for the current and following growing seasons. Seeds are packaged in water resistant / tear resistant packaging.
Heirlooms are varieties that have been purposely bred, selected and passed down from generation to generation. They are wholesome picks that will breed true to the parent seed every time.
Seed Needs never knowingly purchases treated seeds products. We also do not treat any of our seed products with substances such as neonicotinoid or thyram.
Flowers will attract all sorts of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and ladybugs.
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