Butterfly Milkweed Seeds
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Showy Milkweed Seeds: showy-milkweed-seeds
Butterfly Milkweed Seeds: butterfly-milkweed-seeds
Pink Swamp Milkweed Seeds: pink-swamp-milkweed-seeds
Common Milkweed Seeds: common-milkweed-seeds
Tropical Milkweed Seeds: tropical-milkweed-seeds
Butterfly Milkweed Seeds
When should I plant
Butterfly Milkweed is a hardy native perennial that supports pollinators and thrives in warm, sunny conditions. Seeds can be planted in either spring or fall.
Spring Sowing Sow seeds outdoors in early spring after the last frost. For improved germination, seeds benefit from cold stratification for about 30 days before planting. If starting indoors, begin seeds 8-10 weeks before the last frost, then transplant seedlings outdoors once temperatures warm.
Fall Sowing Fall sowing is a popular method. Plant seeds outdoors in late fall so that winter temperatures naturally provide the cold stratification needed for germination. Seeds will typically sprout the following spring.
Site consideration
Butterfly milkweed requires full sun (6+ hours), extremely well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil, and low-to-moderate moisture. It is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in hot, dry, or nutrient-poor spots, such as along sidewalks.
Water
Butterfly milkweed requires well-drained, dry-to-medium soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Water new transplants thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Established plants rarely need water, except during extreme, prolonged dry spells. Overwatering leads to root rot and yellowing leaves.
Sunlight
Plant Butterfly Milkweed in full sun. It performs best with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes strong stems and abundant bright orange blooms.
Transplant
Early spring or fall is ideal to avoid heat stress, though it can be done in summer if watered heavily. Select a new, permanent location with full sun and well-drained soil, as these plants do not tolerate wet feet. Use a sharp, long shovel to dig deep (12+ inches) around the plant to avoid cutting the taproot. Keep as much soil as possible around the roots. Do not try to shake the soil off; move the entire plug to the new, pre-dug hole. Set the plant so the crown is just below the soil surface. Water thoroughly immediately after planting, and keep it watered for the first 1-2 weeks until established.
Seed Germination
Seeds typically germinate within 14–28 days under suitable conditions. Optimal soil temperatures for germination are 65–75°F (18–24°C). Lightly press seeds into the soil surface or cover them with only a thin layer of soil.
Seeding Rate
The recommended seeding rate for butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is 8–10 lbs per acre for a pure stand. For smaller, specific projects or gardening, a rate of 4–5 ounces per 1,000 square feet is recommended.
Other Elements
Fertilization
Butterfly milkweed generally requires little to no fertilizer, as it thrives in poor, dry soil. If necessary, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or compost in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak, leggy growth rather than more flowers.
Weed control
Effective weed management for butterfly milkweed focuses on hand-weeding, careful mulching, and preventing seed pods from spreading. Because they grow from deep taproots and prefer dry, well-drained soil, avoiding thick mulch is key. Focus on manual removal of weeds to avoid damaging the taproot or harming beneficial butterfly larvae.
Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.
For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.
Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
1. Improper drainage soil
2. Sowing depth more than one inch
3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
6. Lack of sunlight
7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.