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
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!
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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Red Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias rubra
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xRed Milkweed Seeds
Asclepias rubra
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Attractive to both hummingbirds and butterflies, this variety makes an excellent choice for wetland gardens. The fragrant flowers grow to a medium height, so makes a great specimen plant as well. This wildflower is a rare type of milkweed and is often not available.Starting at $3.96 USD
