Milkweed Seeds

Common Milkweed makes a long-term home for monarchs. Fragrant pink flower clusters rise above broad leaves in summer, feeding adult pollinators while the foliage provides the essential food source for monarch caterpillars. This eastern and midcontinental North American native perennial grows up to 3 feet and spreads into a lasting patch in Zones 3–7. Choose its location thoughtfully: a settled colony is both beautiful and ecologically useful. Botanical name: Asclepias syriaca Life cycle: Perennial Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–7 Exposure: Full sun Sowing: Fall or early-winter sowing; cold-stratify for spring Planting depth: 1/4 in. Germination: Up to 21 days after stratification Mature height: Up to 36 in. Approximate seed count: 50 Seed-starting help: Tiny seeds, large opinions. Start with the complete flower seed-starting guide and check when to begin in your climate. Common Milkweed is native mainly east of the Rocky Mountains; gardeners elsewhere should choose a milkweed native to their own region. Explore more pollinator plants in our flower seed packets.