Showy Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias speciosa) – Native Monarch & Queen Host Plant with Fragrant Pink Blooms
Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination
Showy Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias speciosa) – Native Monarch & Queen Host Plant with Fragrant Pink Blooms - 1 Packet is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Support butterfly conservation while adding bold beauty to your landscape with Showy Milkweed seeds (Asclepias speciosa). This essential native perennial produces large, fragrant clusters of soft pink flowers that bloom from summer through fall, offering abundant nectar for Monarchs, Queens, hummingbirds, native bees, and other beneficial pollinators.
Showy Milkweed plays a critical role in the Monarch migration pathway, serving as a host plant for egg-laying and as the primary food source for caterpillars. Unlike tropical milkweed varieties, this cold-hardy native naturally dies back in winter, aligning with healthy Monarch migration patterns.
A Striking Native Milkweed with Long-Term Impact:
Adapted to western North America, Showy Milkweed is a robust perennial that combines ornamental appeal with ecological value.
Plant characteristics:
- Native perennial wildflower (Asclepias speciosa)
- Grows approximately 2–4 feet tall
- Broad, silvery-green leaves
- Large, fragrant pink flower clusters
- Produces distinctive seed pods with silky-tufted seeds
- Cold-hardy and well-suited for USDA zones 3–8
Why Customers Love Showy Milkweed Seeds:
- Essential host plant for Monarch and Queen butterfly caterpillars
- Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and pollinators
- Fragrant, nectar-rich blooms from summer through fall
- Cold-hardy native that supports responsible Monarch conservation
- Develops deep taproots for strong drought tolerance once established
- Gradually spreads through rhizomes to expand pollinator habitat
How to Use / How to Grow:
Sow seeds in full sun to partial sun in well-draining soil. Showy Milkweed adapts well to clay, loam, or sandy soils. Water regularly during establishment; mature plants are drought tolerant due to deep taproots. Ideal for pollinator gardens, prairie plantings, butterfly habitats, and naturalized areas.
Cold Stratification for Better Germination:
Showy Milkweed seeds benefit from cold stratification. To improve germination, place seeds on a damp paper towel, roll it up, and refrigerate for 2–3 weeks before sowing. This mimics natural winter conditions and encourages stronger, more consistent sprouting.
Showy Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias speciosa) – Native Monarch & Qu...
Heirloom Native Plant Seeds
All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates
Specifications
Specifications
-
Botanical Name
-
Seasonality
-
Planting Zones
-
Light
-
Soil Temp for Germination
-
Germination Time
-
Planting Depth
-
Plant Size
-
Growing Instructions
-
Seed Saving Instructions
-
Seed Count (approximate)-
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
Native Perennials Are Worth The Wait!
Native perennials may not bloom in their first year. When planted from seeds, perennials put almost all of their energy into establishing strong, healthy root systems in the first year of growth. In the second year, you should see larger plants and some blooms. After the third year, you will be able to enjoy a bounty of beautiful blooms. Trust us! It will be worth the wait!
Cold Stratification Aids Germination
-
Step 1
Lightly moisten some clean sand. Make sure it is not too wet.
-
Step 2
Mix your seeds with the moist sand.
-
Step 3
Store your sand in an airtight container like a zip-top bag. Make sure to label and date your container.
-
Step 4
Refrigerate your sand and seeds for 2 to 4 weeks (or more, depending on the information on your seed packet)
Support Native Habitats
- Supports Local Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Native plants are uniquely adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, forming the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide array of native wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, which helps to maintain and enhance local biodiversity.
- Requires Less Maintenance and Resources: Once established, native plants typically require significantly less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to non-native ornamental plants. Their deep root systems improve soil health and water penetration, reducing runoff and erosion, and their natural resistance to local pests and diseases minimizes the need for chemical interventions, saving time, money, and environmental impact.
- Contributes to Climate Resiliency and Conservation: By supporting a healthy native plant community, you are helping to create more resilient landscapes that can better withstand the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events. Growing native plants also plays a crucial role in conserving local plant genetics, preserving the natural heritage of a region, and providing critical habitat corridors for wildlife facing habitat loss.
- Detailed Growing Information: Paper seed packets include clear planting instructions, germination tips, and seed-saving info, great for beginner or experienced gardeners growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or native plants.
- Trusted USA Seed Company: Family-owned business providing heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds; always fresh, untreated, rigorously tested, and expertly packed for long-term storage and gardening success across all experience levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your seeds heirloom and open-pollinated?
Are your seeds heirloom and open-pollinated?
Yes. All of our seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated varieties, which means they can produce seeds that grow true to type and are suitable for seed saving.
You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.
Are your seeds non-GMO?
Are your seeds non-GMO?
Yes. All Survival Garden Seeds are 100% non-GMO. Our seeds are open-pollinated heirloom varieties and are never genetically modified.
Are your seeds treated with chemicals?
Are your seeds treated with chemicals?
No. Our seeds are completely untreated and free from chemical coatings, fungicides, or synthetic treatments.
How do I know my seeds are fresh?
How do I know my seeds are fresh?
Every seed packet includes a packed-for date, and we germination-test each seed lot before packaging to ensure high viability.
What is the shelf life of your seeds?
What is the shelf life of your seeds?
Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.
In what USDA hardiness zones can I grow your seeds?
In what USDA hardiness zones can I grow your seeds?
Our varieties are selected to grow successfully across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10. Each packet includes variety-specific planting guidance and germination tips.
