Showy Milkweed Seeds
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
- REVIEWS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: In late fall, direct sow Showy Milkweed seeds just below the surface. Germination will take place in the spring, after the last frost. When the seedlings appear, thin to the strongest plant; seedlings usually do not survive transplanting, since they resent any disturbance of their roots. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and refrigerate for 30 days before direct sowing.
Growing: Young plants should be watered until they become established; mature plants can tolerate some drought but grow best with regular watering. Though not invasive, this plant will eventually spread by rhizomes and forms colonies in the wild. It will also self seed if left to drop its seed. The flowers attract many bees and butterflies, including swallowtails, red admirals, an hairstreaks. Deer avoid this plant.
Harvesting: This makes a striking cut flower. Cut the stems long, choosing flowers that have just opened. Keep in mind that the milky sap is mildly toxic and can irritate the skin.
Seed Saving: After the plant finishes flowering, 3-4" narrow pods will form. Be sure to harvest the pods before they split and the silky fluff carries the seeds away on the wind. As soon as the seeds inside the pod ripen to their mature brown color, remove the pods and spread them out to dry. Split open the pods and take out the silky seed material. Remove the fluff from the seeds. Store the Showy Milkweed seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Greek Milkweed, silkweed
Latin Name: Asclepias speciosa
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern
Seeds per Ounce: 5,800
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 40 Inches
Color: Pink, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant
My New Go-to Place for Plant Seeds!!!
I am so very happy to have found Everwilde Farms Inc., they provide high quality and difficult to find flower seeds. It's important to me to purchase organic and non-GMO seeds and these folks provide everything I've been looking for. They also provide these seeds in mylar packaging which is excellent in protecting seed viability. I love the information about the plant as well as planting graphics on the back of each package. Everwilde is by far THE BEST plant seed source I've come across and they are now going to be my number one supplier of seeds - both flowers and vegetables! THANK YOU Everwilde Farms for your passion, your care and love in providing these valuable resources! PS - I love you've put Ecclesiastes 3:11 on your packages.
Quality Seeds
Quality seeds with high germination rate. My go to place for seeds.
Fantastic
Seeds came well packaged and timely. Can't wait for them to sprout
Great service!
My seeds arrived quickly and as advertised. I like how much information is included on the seeds. Very helpful!
showy milkweed seeds
These are not ready for planting; they must be chilled for a month. I would much prefer a "best before" date was included and that they were ready to plant when shipped. Also, I paid $7 for shipping when the cost was just 70 cents with no tracking available because it was just an envelope. My other milkweed is blooming and I can't even get these in the ground yet, AND I overpaid, so yeah, nothing great to say at the moment. Crossing fingers they will sprout when planted and that they'll set some roots for NEXT year.
Excellent service
I ordered a small packet of seeds. When two weeks went by and I did not receive them, I wrote to everwilde farms, expecting to have to re-order. Instead, a worker emailed me that my seeds had gone back to them and asked for confirmation of my address. I then received my seeds in two days. Very responsive and personal service.
A+
They always ship fast and quality products.
New plant for me!
I hope to get more butterflies now with these additions to my garden.
Quick service
My first order came really quickly and included detailed instructions on planting and care of the seeds I purchased. I will use Everwilde again.
Awesome package
I'm so excited to plant these after they are stratified!
Order for Asclepias speciosa seeds
Service like it used to be. Easy to order, kept well informed, speedy delivery, got what I asked for, excellent quality. I've odered before, so I know the seeds will have a good germination rate.
Crazy about milkweeds
Seeds arrived promptly after placing my order. I look forward to using these plants to attract our native butterflies!
Shipping
Fast shipping
Excellent germination rate
I did a 1 month cold stratification in damp paper towels (no hot soak!) and have had excellent germination. I like this species because it does well in drier growing conditions than other milkweeds; it grows locally in Utah.
Good germination rate
I agree, no hot soak (omg no!) or even refrigerator chill is necessary, this product has a great germination rate without treatment. I have tried several brands and this is by far the best company. I buy them for my child's class project and when ready to plant in pots, we roll the seeds up in damp paper towels, then once they sprout put them in pre-soaked peat pellet pots. They send down a quick taproot so transfer them without the netting into a much larger pot where they will take off! We put a dozen in a larger pot and then when they are a foot tall transplant them in groups of 2-3 into gardens. They need water to establish but they are such an asset to flower gardens you will be delighted! This is great food for monarch butterfly caterpillars and other pollinators alike, a great school project.
do not hot soak
Good seed, but the package instructions to give a 24 hour hot soak before planting should be disregarded. I did a test. Seeds planted without hot soak did great. Seeds planted after hot soak had zero yield.
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: In late fall, direct sow Showy Milkweed seeds just below the surface. Germination will take place in the spring, after the last frost. When the seedlings appear, thin to the strongest plant; seedlings usually do not survive transplanting, since they resent any disturbance of their roots. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and refrigerate for 30 days before direct sowing.
Growing: Young plants should be watered until they become established; mature plants can tolerate some drought but grow best with regular watering. Though not invasive, this plant will eventually spread by rhizomes and forms colonies in the wild. It will also self seed if left to drop its seed. The flowers attract many bees and butterflies, including swallowtails, red admirals, an hairstreaks. Deer avoid this plant.
Harvesting: This makes a striking cut flower. Cut the stems long, choosing flowers that have just opened. Keep in mind that the milky sap is mildly toxic and can irritate the skin.
Seed Saving: After the plant finishes flowering, 3-4" narrow pods will form. Be sure to harvest the pods before they split and the silky fluff carries the seeds away on the wind. As soon as the seeds inside the pod ripen to their mature brown color, remove the pods and spread them out to dry. Split open the pods and take out the silky seed material. Remove the fluff from the seeds. Store the Showy Milkweed seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Greek Milkweed, silkweed
Latin Name: Asclepias speciosa
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern
Seeds per Ounce: 5,800
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 40 Inches
Color: Pink, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant
Reviews
Review
My New Go-to Place for Plant Seeds!!!
I am so very happy to have found Everwilde Farms Inc., they provide high quality and difficult to find flower seeds. It's important to me to purchase organic and non-GMO seeds and these folks provide everything I've been looking for. They also provide these seeds in mylar packaging which is excellent in protecting seed viability. I love the information about the plant as well as planting graphics on the back of each package. Everwilde is by far THE BEST plant seed source I've come across and they are now going to be my number one supplier of seeds - both flowers and vegetables! THANK YOU Everwilde Farms for your passion, your care and love in providing these valuable resources! PS - I love you've put Ecclesiastes 3:11 on your packages.
Review
Quality Seeds
Quality seeds with high germination rate. My go to place for seeds.
Review
Fantastic
Seeds came well packaged and timely. Can't wait for them to sprout
Review
Great service!
My seeds arrived quickly and as advertised. I like how much information is included on the seeds. Very helpful!
Review
showy milkweed seeds
These are not ready for planting; they must be chilled for a month. I would much prefer a "best before" date was included and that they were ready to plant when shipped. Also, I paid $7 for shipping when the cost was just 70 cents with no tracking available because it was just an envelope. My other milkweed is blooming and I can't even get these in the ground yet, AND I overpaid, so yeah, nothing great to say at the moment. Crossing fingers they will sprout when planted and that they'll set some roots for NEXT year.
Review
Excellent service
I ordered a small packet of seeds. When two weeks went by and I did not receive them, I wrote to everwilde farms, expecting to have to re-order. Instead, a worker emailed me that my seeds had gone back to them and asked for confirmation of my address. I then received my seeds in two days. Very responsive and personal service.
Review
A+
They always ship fast and quality products.
Review
New plant for me!
I hope to get more butterflies now with these additions to my garden.
Review
Quick service
My first order came really quickly and included detailed instructions on planting and care of the seeds I purchased. I will use Everwilde again.
Review
Awesome package
I'm so excited to plant these after they are stratified!
Review
Order for Asclepias speciosa seeds
Service like it used to be. Easy to order, kept well informed, speedy delivery, got what I asked for, excellent quality. I've odered before, so I know the seeds will have a good germination rate.
Review
Crazy about milkweeds
Seeds arrived promptly after placing my order. I look forward to using these plants to attract our native butterflies!
Review
Shipping
Fast shipping
Review
Excellent germination rate
I did a 1 month cold stratification in damp paper towels (no hot soak!) and have had excellent germination. I like this species because it does well in drier growing conditions than other milkweeds; it grows locally in Utah.
Review
Good germination rate
I agree, no hot soak (omg no!) or even refrigerator chill is necessary, this product has a great germination rate without treatment. I have tried several brands and this is by far the best company. I buy them for my child's class project and when ready to plant in pots, we roll the seeds up in damp paper towels, then once they sprout put them in pre-soaked peat pellet pots. They send down a quick taproot so transfer them without the netting into a much larger pot where they will take off! We put a dozen in a larger pot and then when they are a foot tall transplant them in groups of 2-3 into gardens. They need water to establish but they are such an asset to flower gardens you will be delighted! This is great food for monarch butterfly caterpillars and other pollinators alike, a great school project.
Review
do not hot soak
Good seed, but the package instructions to give a 24 hour hot soak before planting should be disregarded. I did a test. Seeds planted without hot soak did great. Seeds planted after hot soak had zero yield.
Also Consider These:
-
Poke Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias exaltata
These tall, elegant stalks can be found in woodland areas across the eastern United States and Canada. The white flower clusters are great for attracting monarch butterflies to a shaded garden.Quick ViewxPoke Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias exaltata
These tall, elegant stalks can be found in woodland areas across the eastern United States and Canada. The white flower clusters are great for attracting monarch butterflies to a shaded garden.
$4.96 Pkt - $270.00 / Oz -
Tall Green Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias hirtella
Though not as well known as other varieties of milkweed, this tall variety distinguishes itself with abundant clusters of green-white flowers. It especially attracts monarch butterflies, so it is an excellent choice for a butterfly garden in full sun.Quick View$3.75 Pkt - $260.00 / Oz -
On Sale!
Swamp Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias incarnata
These showy, pink flowers give off a sweet scent similar to cinnamon or vanilla. Attractive to butterflies, this variety flourishes in swamps or along streams, so it is a great option for a butterfly plant in a wet setting. Swamp milkweed plants are a staple of many wetland plantings.Quick ViewxSwamp Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias incarnata
These showy, pink flowers give off a sweet scent similar to cinnamon or vanilla. Attractive to butterflies, this variety flourishes in swamps or along streams, so it is a great option for a butterfly plant in a wet setting. Swamp milkweed plants are a staple of many wetland plantings.
$3.48 Pkt - $14.49 / Oz -
Prairie Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias sullivantii
These fragrant rose/mauve blossoms attract both hummingbirds and butterflies. This easy-to-grow variety is used in many prairie restoration projects.Quick View$3.75 Pkt - $64.00 / Oz -
Common Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias syriaca
This familiar wildflower is a significant food source for monarch caterpillars and butterflies, and so it is used for butterfly gardens and waystations. This common variety spreads easily, but most gardeners do not mind if it spreads a bit.Quick View$3.48 Pkt - $12.65 / Oz -
Butterfly Weed Seeds
Asclepias tuberosa
One of the most striking of native plants, Butterfly Weed lights up the prairies with its blazing orange flowers. Monarch Butterflies thrive on this plant, so it is a must for any butterfly garden on sandy soil. Butterfly milkweed seed thrives in rocky or sandy soil, typically in open fields or along roadsides.Quick ViewxButterfly Weed Seeds
Asclepias tuberosa
One of the most striking of native plants, Butterfly Weed lights up the prairies with its blazing orange flowers. Monarch Butterflies thrive on this plant, so it is a must for any butterfly garden on sandy soil. Butterfly milkweed seed thrives in rocky or sandy soil, typically in open fields or along roadsides.
$3.48 Pkt - $24.00 / Oz -
On Sale!
Whorled Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias verticillata
This is a milkweed that grows in many regions of the United States. It is a late-blooming variety that is especially valuable as a butterfly host. The white flower clusters on the long, narrow leaves are a late-season food source for the Monarch Butterfly.Quick ViewxWhorled Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias verticillata
This is a milkweed that grows in many regions of the United States. It is a late-blooming variety that is especially valuable as a butterfly host. The white flower clusters on the long, narrow leaves are a late-season food source for the Monarch Butterfly.
$3.75 Pkt - $72.00 / Oz -
Spider Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias viridis
Known to attract flocks of butterflies, this milkweed features greenish-white flowers. It is native to the southern US, so it can take a lot of heat and is fairly drought resistant.Quick View$3.75 Pkt - $72.00 / Oz
