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Purple Milkweed Seeds

Asclepias purpurascens

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: In late fall, direct sow 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; when grown from seed, plants may take up to three years to produce flowers. Mature plants can tolerate some drought but grow best with regular watering, especially if grown in full sun. Though not invasive, this plant will eventually spread by rhizomes and forms colonies in the wild. 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 seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Asclepias purpurascens

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 5,300

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Pink

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer

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

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~10 Seeds) $3.96 Notify Me
1/64 Oz Mylar (0.44g) $7.96 Notify Me
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $18.24 Notify Me
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $53.20 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (28.4g) $152.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

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This beautiful rare milkweed blooms a deep rose color that is close to purple. It is found in woodlands, prairies, and marshes. The leaves are also a darker green than most milkweeds, making a nice contrast. The only downside to this species is that it is rare and hard to get!
Purple milkweed can be found in woodland areas and prairies, or near streams or marshy areas. At one time, the silk from this plant's 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 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; when grown from seed, plants may take up to three years to produce flowers. Mature plants can tolerate some drought but grow best with regular watering, especially if grown in full sun. Though not invasive, this plant will eventually spread by rhizomes and forms colonies in the wild. 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 seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Asclepias purpurascens

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 5,300

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Pink

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer

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

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