MIlkweed Seeds

[Dan]

Since there seems to be an interest in monarchs, I put together about 12 bags of butterfly weed seeds. Each bag has 25 seeds. These are a host plant for monarchs, only get about 2 - 3 feet tall, and have nice orange flowers. I collected these from plants in my yard. If these go I'll have another round later. If anyone would like a bag or two PM me your address and I'll cover postage. 

     

[Scrappile]

If interested in planting some, here is good info on how to do it.

https://monarchbutterflygarden.net/fall-planting-milkweed-10-steps/

[TAIrving]

@Dan, PM sent, thank you for your most generous offer.

As I mentioned in my PM, we had milkweed plants earlier this year, but our overzealous landscapers pulled them up.  

[meflick]

Thanks Dan for sharing.

[ChelCass]

On 9/16/2023 at 11:19 AM, Dan said:

Since there seems to be an interest in monarchs, I put together about 12 bags of butterfly weed seeds. Each bag has 25 seeds. These are a host plant for monarchs, only get about 2 - 3 feet tall, and have nice orange flowers. I collected these from plants in my yard. If these go I'll have another round later. If anyone would like a bag or two PM me your address and I'll cover postage. 

     

Hey Dan, Got the seeds today.  Thanks so much.  I have a couple of spots where I will plant them this  next spring.  Had a few Monarchs this year but would like to have more.  Along with my milkweed and purple butterfly bush I should be able to attract some more.   Thanks again, Judy.

[TAIrving]

On 9/16/2023 at 10:19 AM, Dan said:

Since there seems to be an interest in monarchs, I put together about 12 bags of butterfly weed seeds. Each bag has 25 seeds. These are a host plant for monarchs, only get about 2 - 3 feet tall, and have nice orange flowers. I collected these from plants in my yard. If these go I'll have another round later. If anyone would like a bag or two PM me your address and I'll cover postage. 

     

Thanks @Dan.  I got the seeds in the mail yesterday.  My wife and I are looking forward to having the plants and the butterfiles next year.  

[Sycamore67]

The butterfly weeds are great for the butterflies to feed on.   The lay eggs and caterpillars feed on Milkweed and need quite a bit of it.

We found about 24 caterpillars this year and raised them inside to chrysalis and then emerge.  We have released 20 so far with 12 females and 8 males.  It is so amazing to hold the Monarchs in your hand and have them spread their wings and flutter away.

Edited September 22, 2023 by Sycamore67

[dgman]

Got mine today, thanks Dan! Look forward to planting in the spring.

[Gonzo]

I also received mine today, thank you Dan! I’ve never seen orange milkweed, so I’m looking forward to planting them. 

[JackJones]

@Dan I have a question. I read the article that Paul posted regarding planting the Milkweed seeds. The article states that the best time to plant the seeds is November so they get a cold period and bloom the following summer. Do you agree? Would November be the best time to plant your seeds or would you plant them in spring?

Thanks

Edited September 23, 2023 by JackJones
Typo

[Dan]

12 hours ago, JackJones said:

@Dan I have a question. I read the article that Paul posted regarding planting the Milkweed seeds. The article states that the best time to plant the seeds is November so they get a cold period and bloom the following summer. Do you agree? Would November be the best time to plant your seeds or would you plant them in spring?

Thanks

Yes, you can plant them outdoors in November. Butterfly weed does best with cold, moist stratification. This only needs to be for 30 days or so. I harvested some in September and planted the seeds in October and they grew to about 2", then the frost hit and killed them. The root system didn't have enough energy to survive. You can put them in the refrigerator in a paper towel moisten, not wet, placed in a plastic bag but not sealed. This is probably the best way to stratify them. If you start in the fridge too early, you will have to plant them indoors. Last year I did not do cold stratification, started them indoors in pots (keeping them moist), and had great success. Look at some websites that are local to your area and see what they suggest. 

[amazingkevin]

On 9/16/2023 at 11:19 AM, Dan said:

Since there seems to be an interest in monarchs, I put together about 12 bags of butterfly weed seeds. Each bag has 25 seeds. These are a host plant for monarchs, only get about 2 - 3 feet tall, and have nice orange flowers. I collected these from plants in my yard. If these go I'll have another round later. If anyone would like a bag or two PM me your address and I'll cover postage. 

     

Hope I didn't miss out on the free bee. 141 w. Prospect rd. Oakland park fl.33309. thank you friend

[Scrappile]

Dan, picked you the seeds today.  They may have come several days ago.  Just got a chance to go to the post office today.  Thanks for them and the instructions. 

[Scrappile]

@Dan, Just an update.  I spread the milkweed seeds, but with no success. However, you spread knowledge and info.  My neighbors and I protected our local milkweed this year instead of spraying them with poison and cutting them down.  So we have food for the Monarchs should they decide to come.  I was not really surprised that the seeds you sent did not take.  It's probably a lot different soil/climate here than where you live.  But it was worth the effort.  Your milkweed is prettier than our native variety.  Ours are always kind of a faded pink color.  I just wanted to let you know, I tried and did not forget.  Some good did come of the effort in that we gained awareness.   It will probably take a couple of years protecting the local variety to get enough to attract the butterflies.  I know I have seen Monarch around in the past.

[Dan]

Sorry about that, Paul. I didn't realize Washington state isn't in its native range. I guess it doesn't like the climate. I learned something today. Thank you. 

[barb.j.enders]

2 hours ago, Dan said:

Sorry about that, Paul. I didn't realize Washington state isn't in its native range. I guess it doesn't like the climate. I learned something today. Thank you. 

I am surprised that Washington state isn't conducive to growing milkweed.  I know it is big here in Winnipeg.

[Scrappile]

Milkweed grows here, but it is different looking, not as pretty as yours.  Keep in mind, that I am no good at growing anything.   I planted over 50 seeds of a tree I want to get started.  Three has come up.

[Gonzo]

Just yesterday, I was thinking I should update Dan on the seeds that he sent to me. Unfortunately, from what I can see nothing has come yet. But I’m not giving up yet. 
thanks again Dan for sending them to me.