Eastern Milkweed Collection (3)

Description

This collection of 3 popular native milkweed species has all non-spreaders through rhizomes (No Common Milkweed).   Each species contains 100 high quality seeds. (Total 300 seeds).  Other pollinator flowers can be purchased here.

Orange Butterfly Weed – Asclepias tuberosa . The bright orange flower clusters, with this species, make a striking display.  As a northern native plant it will thrive in rocky, sandy soil and can be found in open fields and roadsides.  A well established plant can withstand drought but not soggy conditions like the Swamp M. Growing about 24” tall, the original plant will not spread via roots like the Common M. but will self-seed

** Discontinuing White Swamp**   Seeds do not consistently produce White flowering plants. Unable to keep the genetic line pure with Pink flowering all around.   Pink is the dominant gene color. White is recessive.

White & Pink Swamp Milkweed – Asclepias incarnata. These beautiful northern native milkweed that do well with wet feet, hence the name.  If you have a low-lying area that gets soggy during the rainy season this is a good milkweed to plant.  Mature plants will be  4′-5′ with many smaller leaves to feed dozens of caterpillars.  Both the Pink and White blooms are bright enough to attract many Monarchs for the nectar and prime egg laying spots.  Keep well watered the first year.  A well established plant will still prefer to be kept moist.  The original plant will not spread via roots like the Common M. but will self-seed

Outdoor Sowing.   In late fall surface sow to overwinter and sprout in the spring or refrigerate 1-3 months and surface sow in the  spring. The seeds needs light, moisture and warmth (60’s or above) to germinate.

Germination.  Soak seeds 24-48 hrs. in warm water before germinating inside. Milkweed seeds need 3 conditions met to germinate: Surface sown– because they need light, warmth– ground temps upper 60’s or above or a heated seeds starting mat, and consistent moisture. Keep plants well watered the first year.