Butterfly Milkweed

Propagation:

• Fall planting is ideal, as seeds naturally undergo cold stratification during winter. In cold climates, sow seeds after a hard frost.  In warmer climates, seeds can be sown in late fall or winter.  First remove vegetation from the area to be planted and loosen the top few inches of soil.  Add compost. Seeds can be mixed with sand to help with broadcasting.  After sowing, press the seeds lightly into the soil to ensure good seed to soil contact, and water gently.  Seeds need light to germinate.
• Spring planting:  Butterfly weed requires cold moist stratification prior to sowing seeds in the spring,  At least six weeks before planting, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.  Drain and spread the seeds on a damp paper towel and cover with another damp paper towel.  Place the seeds in a zip-lock bag and place the bag in the refrigerator for six weeks. Other materials can be used other than paper towels, such as a coffee filter or a mixture of equal parts of perlite/vermiculite.  The material must be damp but not dripping wet.  After any danger of frost has passed, seeds can be sown outdoors.  Prepare the area to be planted by removing any vegetation and loosen the top few inches of soil.  Add compost.  After sowing, press the seeds lightly into the soil to ensure good seed to soil contact, and water gently.  Water frequently to prevent the planted area from drying out. Seeds need light to germinate.
• Indoor Planting: After 30-60 days of cold moist stratification (see description above), plant seeds indoors and transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• Root cuttings: In the fall, cut the taproot into 2-inch sections and plant each section vertically, keeping the area moist.

Site Selection:

• Prefers full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily).
• Thrives in well-draining soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, or clay soils but dislikes wet feet.

Soil Preparation:

• No need to amend soil with fertilizer; Butterfly Milkweed grows best in nutrient-poor conditions.

Watering:

• Water regularly during germination and establishment.
• Once established, Butterfly Milkweed is drought-tolerant.

Maintenance Tips:

• Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Avoid over-fertilizing; excess nutrients can reduce flowering.
• Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and prevent aggressive self-seeding.

All of the profits from our seed sales are donated to Homegron National Park. Your purchase will help support the critical need to improve biodiversity and native plant habitat.