FREE: Monarch Milkweed Seeds

The listing, Monarch Milkweed Seeds has ended.

I have milkweed seeds to share for monarch butterflies!


When you are ready to plant, soak your seeds in non chlorinated water for up to 6 hours, then place seeds 1/8 inch below the soil surface, or even in a damp paper towel, you can use growing trays, and most types of seed starters or regular garden soil if you like. Consider using a deep pot if starting indoors, since most milkweeds have a long roots. Don't plant the seeds too deep, because they need plenty of light and warmth to germinate and grow. Keep the seedlings moist for the first three weeks after they sprout, then transplant to larger containers with quality soil if necessary. Cutting off the top of the plant after they reach 8-12" creates more stalks and more leaves. It takes about two months before the curassavica plant is large enough for caterpillars to eat. Every type of milkweed is different and has its own growth pattern.

When the leaves have been eaten, simply cut the stem about three nodes (where leaves came out) or 4 inches inches above the soil or just above the lowest branching of the stalk and the plant will grow back fuller and create even more food for Monarchs. Warning: one caterpillar will eat 20+ large leaves so make sure you have enough plants to support the number of caterpillars you have, or they will starve.

When to plant depends on your location. It takes a minimum of 60 days from seeds to have a plant large enough to support a caterpillars' food needs. If you live in a northern climate and see snow, then request the Syriaca or Speciosia variety of milkweed seed, as it survives the winters cold. You can save your seeds till next year and start them early inside, then transplant outside when the weather warms up. Your goal should be to create a refuge of lush milkweed for the migrating Monarch and have extra plants in case of any shortages.

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