Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Summer-blooming pink milkweed well suited to gardens. Important host plant for monarch butterflies; flowers and foliage support numerous insect pollinators.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Summer-blooming pink milkweed well suited to gardens. Important host plant for monarch butterflies; flowers and foliage support numerous insect pollinators.
Swamp milkweed seedpod

Milkweeds — Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Seeds

$ 4.75

Summer-blooming meadow and wetland wildflower with pink flower clusters and foliage important to the monarch butterfly's larval stage. Clump forming; excellent in gardens. Attracts many insect and butterfly pollinators. 

Native to Maine: Yes

Growing conditions: Sun to part shade in medium to wet soil, although adaptable to drier soils

Grows up to: 3'

Blooms: In late summer

Pairs well with: Blue iris, blue vervain, and New England aster

Natural habitat: Moist meadows, ditches, and pond edges

Seeds per packet: 40

Germination Code(s): B
These seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate - a minimum of 30-60 days below 40°F in moist soil (or sand or vermiculite). Sow outdoors in pots November through February. A great species for beginner seed-sowers.

Each seed package carries a specific germination code along with the plant description. These codes indicate specific sowing instructions.

  • A Seeds can be sown outdoors in fall or early spring.
  • B Seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate. Sow outdoors in fall or winter.
  • C Seeds need light to germinate; sow on soil surface and leave uncovered.
  • D Seeds need alternating cycles of warm-to-cold-to-warm to germinate. They can be sown either outdoors in spring or summer and will germinate the following year or in a flat in a warm place for 3 months, then moved to a refrigerator for 2 months, then moved outside in the early summer warmth.
  • E Seeds can not be allowed to dry out. Sow immediately.
  • F Seeds take two years to germinate. Sow outside in the fall or winter and look for germination in the second spring. A shady location prevents the flats from rapid drying and reduces weeding
  • G Large seeds should be soaked overnight in water.
  • FERN: Sow spores in a warm bright location in a sealed container and keep moist. Directions enclosed with package. Challenging.

If you have specific questions about seeds and germination guidelines please contact us at info@wildseedproject.net.

All seeds can be sown and placed outdoors in fall or winter bypassing the need for an artificial indoor cold stratification (refrigerator) required for some species when planted in spring. This is the simplest method. See How to Grow Natives From Seed for detailed instructions.