Butterfly Milkweed Seeds
Butterfly Milkweed Seeds
223 Ratings
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$1.99
Regular price
$3.99
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Enhance your garden's biodiversity with our Butterfly Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias tuberosa), a vibrant and vital plant for Monarch butterflies. Known for its brilliant orange flowers, this native perennial not only adds stunning visual interest to any garden or prairie but also serves as an essential food source for Monarch larvae. As flowers mature, they give way to pods that release seeds adorned with delicate, silky hairs in the fall. Ideal for any gardener looking to support native pollinators and attract butterflies, these seeds are an excellent choice for creating a butterfly-friendly habitat.
About Our Seeds:
- Non-GMO and Open-Pollinated: Preserve natural traits and ensure healthy growth.
- Chemical-Free: Our seeds are free from all chemicals, promoting a safe environment for pollinators.
- Quality Control: We perform regular germination tests to maintain high-quality standards.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Professionally packed in eco-friendly, resealable packets using recycled materials and vegetable-based ink.
Package Quantity:
- Contains 5g, approximately 50 seeds, ideal for establishing or enhancing a butterfly garden.
Growing Instructions Included: Every packet comes with detailed instructions, simplifying the cultivation process for gardeners of all skill levels.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil types.
- Watering: Water regularly to establish plants; once established, milkweed is drought-tolerant.
- Spacing: Space plants approximately 18-24 inches apart to allow for mature growth and optimal airflow.
Plant our Butterfly Milkweed to create a colorful and life-supporting garden space, and enjoy the beauty of Monarch butterflies flourishing in their natural habitat.
- Historical context: Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a native North American plant that has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties and as a food source.
- Geographical origination: Native to North America, particularly widespread in the eastern and central United States.
- Relevant cultural significance: The plant is significant in Native American culture, where it was used for various medicinal purposes and as a food source. It is also important in modern conservation efforts as it supports pollinators, especially monarch butterflies.
- Time period of discovery: The plant has been known and utilized for centuries, long before European settlers arrived in North America.
- Original habitat: Butterfly Milkweed thrives in prairies, open woods, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
- Notable historical uses: Historically, the roots were used by Native Americans to treat respiratory issues, fevers, and other ailments. The plant was also used as a food source, with young shoots and seed pods being edible when properly prepared.
- Ideal temperature range: Butterfly Milkweed grows best in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
- Soil type: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay.
- Sunlight requirements: Requires full sun for optimal growth, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Watering needs: Drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering is needed during the initial growth period. Avoid overwatering as it prefers dry to moderately moist conditions.
- Planting season: Best planted in the spring after the last frost or in the fall. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors.
- Germination time: Seeds typically germinate in 2-4 weeks. Cold stratification (exposing seeds to cold temperatures) for 30 days can improve germination rates.
- Growth cycle duration: Butterfly Milkweed is a perennial plant, meaning it will grow back year after year. It typically blooms in its second year of growth.
- Common pests and diseases: Common pests include aphids and milkweed bugs. Diseases can include root rot if the soil is too wet. Regular monitoring and proper care can mitigate these issues.
- Companion planting advice: Companion plants include other native wildflowers such as Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, and Blazing Star. These plants can help attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Common challenges and solutions: Challenges include poor germination rates, which can be improved with cold stratification. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure well-drained soil and avoid excessive watering.
- Nutritional values: While not commonly consumed today, the young shoots and seed pods were historically eaten by Native Americans. They are known to be a source of vitamins and minerals.
- Health benefits: The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory issues, fevers, and other ailments. Modern research is limited, but it continues to be valued for its historical medicinal uses.
- Culinary uses: Not widely used in modern cuisine, but historically, parts of the plant were consumed by indigenous peoples.
- Medicinal uses: Used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues, fevers, and digestive problems. The roots were often used to make teas or poultices.
- Other unique advantages: Supports pollinators: Butterfly Milkweed is a crucial plant for pollinators, especially monarch butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant. The flowers also attract bees and other beneficial insects.
Low maintenance: Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care.
Ornamental value: The bright orange flowers add vibrant color to gardens and landscapes.
