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Botanical Interests

Milkweed/Butterfly Flower Seeds

Milkweed/Butterfly Flower Seeds

Regular price $2.99
Sale price $2.99 Regular price
~0.15 g (~24 seeds)
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Product Details

Butterflies will seek out your garden when you grow this vigorous, heirloom perennial, a preferred nectar plant for monarchs and other pollinators. Beginning in summer, you will be treated to a profusion of fiery, red-orange flowers followed by decorative green seed pods. Drought tolerant once established; performs in poor soils. Native to much of the United States. A long-lasting addition to cut flower arrangements. Perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer. Sap is toxic; avoid eye/skin contact and do not ingest.

We cannot ship this variety to Hawaii as per state regulations. Please do not order if your shipping address is in these states.

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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info

Variety Info

Family: Apocynaceae

Native: Eastern U.S., Canada, and Northern Mexico

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer

Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Period: Summer

Plant Dimensions: 24"–36" tall

Variety Info: Individual flowers ½", borne in brilliant red-orange clusters.

Attributes: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, or in the fall for spring germination.

When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.

Days to Emerge: 14–28 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"–24"

Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 12"–24"

Growing Info

Harvesting: For longest vase life, harvest flowers in the morning, choosing blooms that are 1/2-2/3 open. Place in water, allowing the latex within the stems to dissipate in the water, then change the water. Wear gloves; milkweed sap can cause skin and eye irritation and can be toxic if ingested.

4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
Based on 6 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 5 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 1
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6 reviews
  • Yvonne
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Apr 19, 2025
    5 Stars

    If you want to help monarch butterflies, this variety is the best.

  • Jovanne S.
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    Apr 6, 2025
    1 Star

    My issue is that there is not enough details about native origins of milkweed provided by BI. For those who are trying to raise or help the native Monarchs it would be helpful if the site went into greater detail on native species. The tropical verity is harming the wildlife. Show that you care and help those who want to better their gardens. I regret purchasing these seeds.

    depending on your location it’s always best to check for native milkweed of your state here in California it’s the narrowleaf Asclepias fascicularis.

    Feeding monarchs on tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) can be detrimental to their health and migration, as it encourages breeding outside their natural migratory cycle and can harbor a parasite that can harm them.

  • Lauren A.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Dec 2, 2024
    5 Stars

    I haven’t planted these yet but happy with the selection and looking forward to supporting pollinators!

  • Barbara A.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Nov 24, 2024
    5 Stars

    I planted one pkg of seeds in October but our weather is getting cool and I don't want to lose my other seeds if California has a very cold winter

  • R T.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Aug 16, 2024
    5 Stars

    Impressed with seeds I received, they are still just seedlings but all the seeds sprouted. I haven’t put them in their permanent place yet. I’m excited, can’t wait. So far so good

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    EG Profile picture for Epic Gardening
    Epic Gardening
    Aug 23, 2024

    That's great news! Please feel free to share photos of you garden when it's grown in. Keep on growing 🌻️