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Butterfly Weed Seeds

Asclepias tuberosa

4.88 (32 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: In late fall, direct sow butterfly 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 butterfly milkweed plants should be watered until they become established; mature plants can tolerate drought, and the roots will be damaged by excessively wet soil. This plant grows slowly, and it may take 2-3 years to produce flowers. Though not invasive, this plant will eventually spread if left to drop its seed. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer avoid this plant. If aphids become a problem, dislodge them from the plant with a strong stream of water.

Harvesting: This makes a striking cut flower. Because the stems contain no milky sap, these flowers tend to have a longer vase life than most milkweed varieties. Cut the stems long, choosing flowers that have just opened.

Seed Saving: After the plant finishes flowering, 3-4" narrow pods will form. Be sure to harvest butterfly milkweed 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 seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Pleurisy Root, Orange Milkweed

Latin Name: Asclepias tuberosa

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

US Regions: Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 4,200

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Orange

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Katie124

excellent germination

just perfect, excellent germination

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Rare Fruit Grower

Milkweed selection

I ordered several varieties of milkweed from Everwilde because I have many types of butterflies that winter over in my yard. I was impressed with the high quality of packaging and the detailed instructions that mention stratification of the seeds which many companies don't provide. This is important if you want to successfully grow milkweed among other plant varieties. As a professional horticulturist, I appreciate the details on the packaging and the varieties of plant seeds Everwilde offers.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 1.0
Review By Thomas

Nope.

Did not germinate

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By butterfly weed

butterfly weed

fast shipping

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Chel

Great quality seeds

Seeds are germinating just fine!

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Diamondave

Awesome packaging

Easy to purchase through the website as it was easy to navigate. The product was reasonably priced and delivered in a very timely manner. The mylar seed package seems like a great idea to preserve the seeds. Was appreciative of the detailed information to inform me of best technique for great results!

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Amy

Good!

So far so good. The packaging was great but I won't know how germination is until it grows next spring. Other than that, my experience was excellent.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Francie

not the time yet

How can a review a little seed I just planted 2 days ago? It came quickly and looked fine.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By peter passanisi

butterfly

looking forward to butterflies in my backyard

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Katie Simpson

Love them

I just got my seeds. Loved the packaging and the helpful info.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Marc C.

Quick service

Seeds mailed the next business day and arrives in good condition. Many thanks!

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Chester Zawadzki

Easy Milkweed!

Every year or two I get a packet of Milkweed seeds from Everwilde to supplement my stand of Milkweed. Their seeds are productive and true to their labeling of Asclepius tuberosa. Easy growth. Plenty of pollinators. Good value.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Hayden zone 7

Good first year growth

I planted these late spring, and still got some good growth. At the end of summer, they're starting to look pretty hardy. I even got a couple blooms, which is uncommon for first-year butterfly weed. I even found a couple monarch caterpillars hanging around!

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Darwin P

Hope they grow here

Love the packaging. I won't plant these until late-fall/early-winter and then won't know until next year.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Jennifer Zimmerman

Excellent Seeds!

These butterfly weed seeds germinate like crazy! Even tough they require a cold stratification period, I did an experiment to see if they would germinate without it. They started to sprout in 24 hours! They are in small pots now growing steadily.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Keith Martin

Seeds

I'm really satisfied with Everwilde. They shipped faster than I knew a company could. Seems like I ordered one night and got my seeds two days later. I'll use them again and recommend them to my friends. Could someone from everwilde contact me on the best way to keep the butterfly milkweed seed until next spring or can they be planted now and come back next year. Thanks so much for everything.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By thomas haas

Seed packet

Haven't sown the seeds yet.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Mary Phillips

Great service and product

Received order in three days. Germination rate of A tuberosa seeds is exceptional even without stratification. Everwilde is my go-to source for these seeds.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Rural Missouri

Thank you for the great seeds and how they are packaged.

Wonderful seeds. Hard to get other places. The package tell you everything you need to know for successful planting.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By RENATA SCHEPIS

Butterfly weed

Super fast delivery, happy with the purchase.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Donald Morgan

First purchase; impressive packaging!

Title says it all.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By jean davis

Great company

Fantastic packaging. Use them all time. Quality super.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Rose Franklin

Fast service. Very pleased.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Annette Johnson

Butterfly weed seed

I am very pleased with the seeds that I got from Everwilde Farms. I haven't had much success growing plants from seeds. However the seeds I got from Everwilde have sprouted and are growing into plants. These plants will make a beautiful addition to my Butterfly garden. I will continue to purchase seeds from Everwilde Farms.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Wilona Haslam

seeds

came in a short time

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By ryan wallengren

Cool packaging

As I type, I'm stratifying these seeds in the fridge.. Also purchased the "showy" variety, looking forward to the colors!

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By seed grower

well packaged

Seeds arrived well packaged.Should be high germination rate. Super pleased.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By louise billings

Monarch mania

Thanks for the prompt shipment! Seeds are planted and I can't wait for the plants to mature!

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By JE

Butterfly Weed Seeds

Thank you Everwilde I am so pleased with your products and services. I have been using your farms for a few years and recommend you to all my friends. Fast service, great varieties, excellent seed packets and very good results when planted!!

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Melissa Anthony

Very good

Fast shipping. The plants have not sprouted yet but it is not the season.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Timothy Gillane

Stratification

Planting now (Nov.) so they can stratify for next year. Looking forward to a nice treat next year or later.

Butterfly Weed Seeds 5.0
Review By Mattia

Fast Service

I received my seed very quickly and the packets came with detailed instructions/resources on how to start your seedling, milkweed being a little different than most.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~80 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $5.96 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $9.60 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~4,200 Seeds) $22.17 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $96.00 $88.00 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $360.00 $330.00 -+
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $1,620.00 $1,485.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $2,880.00 $2,640.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

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.
Butterfly Weed, one of the most striking of native plants, lights up the prairies with its blazing orange flowers. Butterfly milkweed seed thrives in rocky or sandy soil, typically in open fields or along roadsides. One of its common names, pleurisy root, refers to an old remedy for lung ailments that contained this plant. At one time, the silk from Butterfly Weed seed pods was spun for fabric or used for stuffing pillows; in World War II, school children gathered the silk to provide a cheap filling for soldiers' life jackets. Commercial attempts to make use of this abundant plant included the manufacture of paper, fabric, lubricant, fuel, and rubber; eventually these became impractical and were abandoned. Though this plant is toxic to most animals, butterflies are immune to the plant's poison and actually become rather poisonous themselves as protection from predators.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: In late fall, direct sow butterfly 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 butterfly milkweed plants should be watered until they become established; mature plants can tolerate drought, and the roots will be damaged by excessively wet soil. This plant grows slowly, and it may take 2-3 years to produce flowers. Though not invasive, this plant will eventually spread if left to drop its seed. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer avoid this plant. If aphids become a problem, dislodge them from the plant with a strong stream of water.

Harvesting: This makes a striking cut flower. Because the stems contain no milky sap, these flowers tend to have a longer vase life than most milkweed varieties. Cut the stems long, choosing flowers that have just opened.

Seed Saving: After the plant finishes flowering, 3-4" narrow pods will form. Be sure to harvest butterfly milkweed 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 seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Pleurisy Root, Orange Milkweed

Latin Name: Asclepias tuberosa

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

US Regions: Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 4,200

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Orange

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant

Reviews

4.88
Global Rating: 4.88 from 32 reviews
5.0

Review By Katie124

excellent germination

just perfect, excellent germination

5.0

Review By Rare Fruit Grower

Milkweed selection

I ordered several varieties of milkweed from Everwilde because I have many types of butterflies that winter over in my yard. I was impressed with the high quality of packaging and the detailed instructions that mention stratification of the seeds which many companies don't provide. This is important if you want to successfully grow milkweed among other plant varieties. As a professional horticulturist, I appreciate the details on the packaging and the varieties of plant seeds Everwilde offers.

1.0

Review By Thomas

Nope.

Did not germinate

5.0

Review By butterfly weed

butterfly weed

fast shipping

5.0

Review By Chel

Great quality seeds

Seeds are germinating just fine!

5.0

Review By Diamondave

Awesome packaging

Easy to purchase through the website as it was easy to navigate. The product was reasonably priced and delivered in a very timely manner. The mylar seed package seems like a great idea to preserve the seeds. Was appreciative of the detailed information to inform me of best technique for great results!

5.0

Review By Amy

Good!

So far so good. The packaging was great but I won't know how germination is until it grows next spring. Other than that, my experience was excellent.

5.0

Review By Francie

not the time yet

How can a review a little seed I just planted 2 days ago? It came quickly and looked fine.

5.0

Review By peter passanisi

butterfly

looking forward to butterflies in my backyard

5.0

Review By Katie Simpson

Love them

I just got my seeds. Loved the packaging and the helpful info.

5.0

Review By Marc C.

Quick service

Seeds mailed the next business day and arrives in good condition. Many thanks!

5.0

Review By Chester Zawadzki

Easy Milkweed!

Every year or two I get a packet of Milkweed seeds from Everwilde to supplement my stand of Milkweed. Their seeds are productive and true to their labeling of Asclepius tuberosa. Easy growth. Plenty of pollinators. Good value.

5.0

Review By Hayden zone 7

Good first year growth

I planted these late spring, and still got some good growth. At the end of summer, they're starting to look pretty hardy. I even got a couple blooms, which is uncommon for first-year butterfly weed. I even found a couple monarch caterpillars hanging around!

5.0

Review By Darwin P

Hope they grow here

Love the packaging. I won't plant these until late-fall/early-winter and then won't know until next year.

5.0

Review By Jennifer Zimmerman

Excellent Seeds!

These butterfly weed seeds germinate like crazy! Even tough they require a cold stratification period, I did an experiment to see if they would germinate without it. They started to sprout in 24 hours! They are in small pots now growing steadily.

5.0

Review By Keith Martin

Seeds

I'm really satisfied with Everwilde. They shipped faster than I knew a company could. Seems like I ordered one night and got my seeds two days later. I'll use them again and recommend them to my friends. Could someone from everwilde contact me on the best way to keep the butterfly milkweed seed until next spring or can they be planted now and come back next year. Thanks so much for everything.

5.0

Review By thomas haas

Seed packet

Haven't sown the seeds yet.

5.0

Review By Mary Phillips

Great service and product

Received order in three days. Germination rate of A tuberosa seeds is exceptional even without stratification. Everwilde is my go-to source for these seeds.

5.0

Review By Rural Missouri

Thank you for the great seeds and how they are packaged.

Wonderful seeds. Hard to get other places. The package tell you everything you need to know for successful planting.

5.0

Review By RENATA SCHEPIS

Butterfly weed

Super fast delivery, happy with the purchase.

5.0

Review By Donald Morgan

First purchase; impressive packaging!

Title says it all.

5.0

Review By jean davis

Great company

Fantastic packaging. Use them all time. Quality super.

5.0

Review By Rose Franklin

Fast service. Very pleased.

5.0

Review By Annette Johnson

Butterfly weed seed

I am very pleased with the seeds that I got from Everwilde Farms. I haven't had much success growing plants from seeds. However the seeds I got from Everwilde have sprouted and are growing into plants. These plants will make a beautiful addition to my Butterfly garden. I will continue to purchase seeds from Everwilde Farms.

5.0

Review By Wilona Haslam

seeds

came in a short time

5.0

Review By ryan wallengren

Cool packaging

As I type, I'm stratifying these seeds in the fridge.. Also purchased the "showy" variety, looking forward to the colors!

5.0

Review By seed grower

well packaged

Seeds arrived well packaged.Should be high germination rate. Super pleased.

5.0

Review By louise billings

Monarch mania

Thanks for the prompt shipment! Seeds are planted and I can't wait for the plants to mature!

5.0

Review By JE

Butterfly Weed Seeds

Thank you Everwilde I am so pleased with your products and services. I have been using your farms for a few years and recommend you to all my friends. Fast service, great varieties, excellent seed packets and very good results when planted!!

5.0

Review By Melissa Anthony

Very good

Fast shipping. The plants have not sprouted yet but it is not the season.

5.0

Review By Timothy Gillane

Stratification

Planting now (Nov.) so they can stratify for next year. Looking forward to a nice treat next year or later.

5.0

Review By Mattia

Fast Service

I received my seed very quickly and the packets came with detailed instructions/resources on how to start your seedling, milkweed being a little different than most.

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