Monarch Milkweed Medley Kit
Swamp milkweed
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sow: Swamp Milkweed seeds can be sown in the spring or fall, depending on your local climate. You can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area or sow them directly in the garden. When planting seeds directly outdoors, do so in late fall or early spring.
USDA Zones: Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) 2-11
US Regions: Swamp Milkweed can be found in a variety of regions across the United States, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the country.
Stratification: While Swamp Milkweed seeds do not typically require stratification, you can cold-stratify the seeds if desired. To do so, place the seeds in a moist medium and refrigerate them for several weeks before planting. This can help improve germination rates.
Germination Ease: Moderate. Swamp Milkweed seeds can germinate without stratification, but cold treatment can enhance germination rates, especially for certain varieties.
Sunlight: Swamp Milkweed generally prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hot climates.
Height: Swamp Milkweed typically reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet (approximately 0.9 to 1.5 meters), depending on growing conditions and variety.
Color: The flowers of Swamp Milkweed are typically a lovely shade of pink, creating an attractive appearance.
Bloom Season: Swamp Milkweed usually blooms in mid to late summer, producing clusters of pink flowers. It is a valuable nectar source for pollinators during this time.
Uses: Swamp Milkweed is an important native plant for wildlife gardens and pollinator habitats. It serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies and provides nectar for other pollinators. It's often grown in rain gardens and wetland areas, and its striking pink flowers add beauty to the landscape.
Butterfly Weed
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sow: Butterfly Weed seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the spring or fall, or they can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost for earlier blooms.
USDA Zones: Butterfly Weed is well-suited to USDA Zones 3-9.
US Regions: Butterfly Weed is native to various regions in North America, primarily the eastern and central parts of the continent.
Stratification: Butterfly Weed seeds do not require stratification, but some gardeners may choose to cold-stratify them for improved germination.
Germination Ease: Moderate. Butterfly Weed seeds can be a bit slow to germinate, but they're generally reliable.
Sunlight: Full sun. Butterfly Weed thrives in full sunlight.
Height: Butterfly Weed typically reaches a height of about 1 to 3 feet (approximately 0.3 to 0.9 meters).
Color: The flowers of Butterfly Weed are typically bright orange to reddish-orange, creating an eye-catching display.
Bloom Season: Butterfly Weed typically blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a vibrant display of orange flowers.
Uses: Butterfly Weed is a vital native plant in wildlife gardens and pollinator habitats. It serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies and a nectar source for other pollinators. Additionally, it adds color and texture to gardens and natural landscapes.
Common milkweed
Sow: Common Milkweed seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the spring or fall, or they can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost for earlier blooms.
USDA Zones: Common Milkweed is well-suited to USDA Zones 3-9.
US Regions: Common Milkweed is native to a wide range of regions in North America, making it a common sight in many states.
Stratification: Common Milkweed seeds benefit from cold stratification, which means they should be exposed to cold temperatures for several weeks before planting. This mimics their natural germination process and can improve germination rates.
Germination Ease: Moderate. The cold stratification process can improve germination, but it may still take some time.
Sunlight: Full sun. Common Milkweed thrives in full sunlight.
Height: Common Milkweed typically reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet (approximately 0.9 to 1.5 meters).
Color: The flowers of Common Milkweed are typically pink to mauve and produce a visually appealing display.
Bloom Season: Common Milkweed typically blooms in mid to late summer, providing clusters of pink to mauve flowers.
Uses: Common Milkweed is a vital native plant in wildlife gardens and pollinator habitats. It serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies and a nectar source for other pollinators. Additionally, it adds color and texture to gardens and natural landscapes.
Showy milkweed
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: Zones 3-9.
US Regions: Showy Milkweed is native to various regions across North America, including the western United States and parts of the Midwest. It's commonly found in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides.
Stratification: Showy Milkweed seeds may benefit from cold stratification to break dormancy and improve germination rates. You can place the seeds in a moist medium and keep them in the refrigerator for a few weeks before planting.
Germination Ease: Moderate. With proper stratification and care, Showy Milkweed seeds can germinate reliably.
Sunlight: Full sun. Showy Milkweed thrives in full sunlight and is commonly found in open, sunny locations.
Height: Showy Milkweed can reach a height of 2 to 3 feet (approximately 0.6 to 0.9 meters).
Color: The flowers of Showy Milkweed are typically pink to lavender, with a fragrant and visually attractive appearance.
Bloom Season: Showy Milkweed typically blooms from late spring to early summer, often from May to June. The blooms are a valuable nectar source for pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies.
Uses: Showy Milkweed is an important plant for supporting pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies. It serves as a host plant for monarch caterpillars, making it a crucial part of monarch conservation efforts. Additionally, it's an attractive wildflower for naturalized gardens and meadows, where it contributes to biodiversity and provides nectar for various pollinators.
