Bring on the butterflies! Milkweed is the only source of food for the Monarch caterpillar. The chemicals the caterpillar ingests from the milkweed plant remain in its body even after metamorphosis, making the adult butterfly toxic & bitter-tasting to many predators. Adults no longer feed on milkweed leaves but are still dependent on the nectar from the milkweed flowers & other nectar producing plants. Add other flowers such as cleome, butterfly bush, bee balm & herbs such as dill to your garden along with a shallow water dish to attract more beneficial pollinators & to help the Monarch from becoming extinct!
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is native to much of the eastern USA. It grows approx. 48" tall & blooms from late June - July. It is a Perennial hardy in zones 3 - 9.
To improve germination rates, place the seeds in packets made from paper towels & soak them in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting.
Start indoors: 4-8 weeks before transplanting.
Sow outside: After the danger of frost has passed. Note: Common Milkweed germinates poorly at high temperatures >85˚F
Size: 4'
Hardiness: Perennial
Sun: Full
Water: Moderate
Seed Spacing: 1/4” - 1/2"
Seed Planting Depth: 1/4"
Thinning: 6" - 24"
Days to Germination: 7 - 10 (if the temp. is maintained at 75˚F).
You can also use the seed pods as "seed bombs." Milkweed supports more than just butterflies. It is also beneficial to native bees, honey bees & other beneficial insects.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is native to much of the eastern USA. It grows approx. 48" tall & blooms from late June - July. It is a Perennial hardy in zones 3 - 9.
To improve germination rates, place the seeds in packets made from paper towels & soak them in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting.
Start indoors: 4-8 weeks before transplanting.
Sow outside: After the danger of frost has passed. Note: Common Milkweed germinates poorly at high temperatures >85˚F
Size: 4'
Hardiness: Perennial
Sun: Full
Water: Moderate
Seed Spacing: 1/4” - 1/2"
Seed Planting Depth: 1/4"
Thinning: 6" - 24"
Days to Germination: 7 - 10 (if the temp. is maintained at 75˚F).
You can also use the seed pods as "seed bombs." Milkweed supports more than just butterflies. It is also beneficial to native bees, honey bees & other beneficial insects.
Starting Arkansas Green Cotton From Seed
Starting Blue Podded Shelling Peas From Seed
Starting Catnip From Seed
Starting Cilantro (Coriander) From Seed
Starting Cocks Comb (Cleosia) From Seed
Starting Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)From Seed
Starting Dill From Seed
Starting Erlene's Green Cotton From Seed
Starting Hibiscus From Seed
Starting Holy Basil (Tulsi) From Seed
Starting Kale From Seed
Starting Lemon Balm From Seed
Starting Mixed Cotton From Seed
Starting Purple Podded Pole Beans From Seed
Starting Red Foliated White Cotton From Seed
Starting Sea Island Brown Cotton From Seed
Starting Spinach From Seed
Starting Sunflowers From Seed
Starting Blue Podded Shelling Peas From Seed
Starting Catnip From Seed
Starting Cilantro (Coriander) From Seed
Starting Cocks Comb (Cleosia) From Seed
Starting Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)From Seed
Starting Dill From Seed
Starting Erlene's Green Cotton From Seed
Starting Hibiscus From Seed
Starting Holy Basil (Tulsi) From Seed
Starting Kale From Seed
Starting Lemon Balm From Seed
Starting Mixed Cotton From Seed
Starting Purple Podded Pole Beans From Seed
Starting Red Foliated White Cotton From Seed
Starting Sea Island Brown Cotton From Seed
Starting Spinach From Seed
Starting Sunflowers From Seed
RSS Feed