1250 Common Milkweed Seeds - Non-GMO Asclepias syriaca for Monarch Butterflies

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a native perennial wildflower known for its clusters of fragrant, pinkish-purple blooms and its vital role as a host plant for monarch butterflies. This resilient plant thrives in a variety of conditions, from meadows and prairies to roadside plantings and home pollinator gardens. Its large, rounded leaves provide essential food for monarch caterpillars, while the nectar-rich flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

With its ability to spread via rhizomes, Common Milkweed forms naturalized colonies that offer both ecological value and visual interest. The distinctive seed pods release silky seeds in late summer, adding further texture to the landscape. Whether you're creating a dedicated butterfly garden or enhancing a wildflower meadow, this non-GMO seed variety is an excellent choice for supporting local ecosystems.

Plant Features

• Host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars
• Fragrant, pinkish-purple flower clusters
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Spreads via rhizomes to form colonies

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Asclepias syriaca
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates poor, dry, or sandy soils
• Water Requirements: Low to medium; drought-tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming, spreads by rhizomes
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Season: Summer (June-August)
• Mature Height: 3-5 feet
• Spacing: 18-24 inches

Planting & Care

Common Milkweed seeds benefit from cold stratification to improve germination. For best results, sow seeds outdoors in late fall or early winter, or stratify them in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before starting indoors. Surface sow or lightly cover seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which typically takes 10-20 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C). Once seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, thin or transplant them to their final spacing.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. After establishment, Common Milkweed is quite drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent unwanted self-seeding, or leave seed pods to mature for natural dispersal.

What's Included

1250 Common Milkweed seeds (Asclepias syriaca), non-GMO.