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Purple Milkweed Seeds

Asclepias purpurascens

3.50 (2 reviews)
Out Of Stock
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

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 Asclepias Purpurascens 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 Asclepias Purpurascens 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 purple milkweed 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

Purple Milkweed Seeds 2.0
Review By Susan

Disappointed, to be honest

I recently ordered several packets of purple milkweed seeds. I was disappointed to open the packets and find mostly small, light-colored and broken seeds. A few seeds look okay but most look like they were harvested before the seed pod matured. Time will tell if they are viable or not. I have been planting milkweed for several years now so I do know how seeds should look. The good news is that Everwilde has offered to either refund or replace and I give them credit for that.

Hello! Sorry you received some crushed seeds and some substandard ones. We have reshipped these seeds!

Purple Milkweed Seeds 5.0
Review By Judy J

Great seeds in great packet!

I really appreciate the new seed packs. Great info about planting needs, height, etc. They are also very pretty to look at. I think I probably love flowers because I love color and these packets are so nice. Price was very reasonable, delivery was quick, and the seeds were nice and healthy looking. I planted them almost as soon as I got them in the mail. I've always had very good luck with getting Everwilde seeds to germinate and grow and feel certain these will soon sprout.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~10 Seeds) $4.80 Notify Me
Sold out

DESCRIPTION

IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP WITHIN THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY. 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! Cannot ship to HI.
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 Asclepias Purpurascens 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 Asclepias Purpurascens 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 purple milkweed 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

Reviews

3.50
Global Rating: 3.50 from 2 reviews
2.0

Review By Susan

Disappointed, to be honest

I recently ordered several packets of purple milkweed seeds. I was disappointed to open the packets and find mostly small, light-colored and broken seeds. A few seeds look okay but most look like they were harvested before the seed pod matured. Time will tell if they are viable or not. I have been planting milkweed for several years now so I do know how seeds should look. The good news is that Everwilde has offered to either refund or replace and I give them credit for that.

Hello! Sorry you received some crushed seeds and some substandard ones. We have reshipped these seeds!

5.0

Review By Judy J

Great seeds in great packet!

I really appreciate the new seed packs. Great info about planting needs, height, etc. They are also very pretty to look at. I think I probably love flowers because I love color and these packets are so nice. Price was very reasonable, delivery was quick, and the seeds were nice and healthy looking. I planted them almost as soon as I got them in the mail. I've always had very good luck with getting Everwilde seeds to germinate and grow and feel certain these will soon sprout.

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