Milkweed Seeds

Plant Milkweed: Asclepias tuberosa (Orange and Gay Butterflies): place seed in a ziplock bag with a small amount of moist growing media (or a moist paper towel) and keep in a refrigerator for 2 weeks. Then sow seeds 1/4 in. deep in 2 in. pots or cell packs. At 65-70°F, germination is within 14-21 days. Take care to transplant into the garden well before seedlings become root bound. Can direct sow into prepared seed beds in groups of 3-4 seeds, spaced 1-2 ft. apart. Thin to the strongest plant.
Asclepias incarnata (Soulmate) and Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed):
Sow seeds 1/4 in. deep in 2 in. pots or cell packs. At 65-70°F, germination is within 14-21 days. Can direct sow into prepared seed beds in groups of 3-4 seeds, spaced 1-2 ft. apart. Thin to the strongest plant.

Grow Milkweed: Full sun. Asclepias incarnata (Soulmate) thrives in moist, even wet soils, will adapt to average garden water. Asclepias tuberosa (Orange and Gay Butterflies) and Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed) tolerate heat and drought, need only occasional water once established, will happily accept average moisture with good drainage.
Milkweeds attract bees and hummingbirds, are important nectar sources for a wide range of pollinators and provide essential nourishment for monarch butterfly larva. Plants are deer and rabbit resistant. Pinch seedlings to encourage more flowering stems per plant. Use caution when working with milkweed: the milky sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation. Caterpillars feeding on milkweed become toxic to birds and other predators.