Field-harvested from our pollinator sanctuary in Wisconsin.
Offered as a service to help expand habitat for the Monarch butterfly.
If you feel like adopting a Butterfly Block isn’t enough and you’re moved to start your own Pollinator Paradise, we’ll provide the milkweed seeds at no charge.
Every fall after the monarch butterfly have left and the bees are busy doing their last minute pollen collection, the milkweed flowers give way to bursting pods of silk. We collect these pods and extract the seeds so that you can can bring a piece of the Pollinator Paradise to your home.
What You’ll Receive
- Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Hand-collected from established pollinator fields
- No chemicals, no commercial production
Who These Seeds Are For
These seeds perform best in:
- Upper Midwest
- Great Lakes region
- Northern and temperate climates similar to Wisconsin
Examples: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, northern Illinois, parts of New York and New England
Where These May Be Challenging
These seeds come from plants adapted to the climate in Wisconsin.
If you’re in a very different environment—such as the deep South or desert regions (for example Florida or Arizona)—they may take a little more care and may not perform the same way they do in northern climates.
That said:
- They can still be grown in gardens or containers
- Many people enjoy growing milkweed simply to support and observe the Monarch butterfly
- Results will vary depending on your conditions
If your goal is to create long-term, self-sustaining butterfly habitat, you may also want to explore milkweed species native to your specific region. Here’s a link to find seeds; seed finder.
Planting Basics (Keep It Simple)
- Plant in fall or cold-stratify before spring planting
- Full sun preferred
- Expect germination the following growing season
- These are perennial plants — they come back each year
Our Intent
We’re not trying to sell you seeds.
We’re trying to put more milkweed in the ground where it actually works.
Seeds quantities are limited.
What We Ask In Return
- Post some pics of your new milkweed and tag Birchwood Butterfly Ranch.
- If you’re inclined, adopt a Butterfly Block. It’s what gives us the ability to send free seeds.
