Narrowleaf Milkweed is a gorgeous California native flower that is the sole source of food for the Monarch butteries. The butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on Milkweed plants, creating an opportunity for us to plant Monarch habitat!
We recommend planting only milkweed plant that is native to your area. Each region is going to have milkweed specific to its area - except the Pacific Northwest.
Disclaimer: We only ship the appropriate milkweed that is native to your region.
Reasons why planting non-native milkweed is detrimental to the Monarchs:
In warmer regions, where milkweed does not die back in the winter, a build-up of a debilitating protozoan parasite (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha or OE) that infects monarchs can occur and promote year-round breeding.
Non-native milkweed presence in the fall could cause migrating monarchs to break diapause (a temporary non-reproductive state) and lay eggs instead of completing their migration to Mexico.
Reseeding (and invasion) of non-native milkweed species.
Narrowleaf Milkweed grows as a subshrub about 2' - 4' high with stunning fragrant flowers. Known for their beautiful colors ranging in greenish white to deep purple, the Milkweed brings joy and life to every garden! Exuding a delicious vanilla scent, the milkweed also attracts other pollinators while bloom from June - August.
Also known as Mexican Whorled milkweed, this milkweed grows well in dry climates and will blossom from June - September. This beautiful low maintenance, drought tolerant wildflower may be slow to grow the first year, as it sets its taproot deep into the earth. In following years, it will grow more vigorous.
It is very important to plant only locally native milkweed species. Please learn which milkweeds are native to your region and consult this milkweed range maps from the Biota of North America Program’s (BONAP) North American Plant Atlas.
Support the Monarch population by planting your local Milkweed seeds today!
If you live in California, this is the variety we recommend, although, California coastal gardeners check this map and decide if milkweed should be planted in your yard.
Milkweed may not have historically grown in your area. Planting milkweed closer to the coast, may lure Monarchs off of their regular migration pattern. Some Monarchs may not have the resistance to the fungi, created by the moisture in the fog, resulting in caterpillars that are unable to survive.
Seed Profile
Non-GMO
Perennial
Sun:Full
Indoors: 8 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow: In the fall, or in the spring after cold stratification
Seed Count: 30
Plant Size: 3'-5'
Ornamental
Attracts pollinators
Open Pollinated
Neonicotinoid-free
Gardening Tips
Narrowleaf seeds must be stratified, if they are planted in the spring, for proper germination.
Instructions on cold stratification, to germinate seeds in the spring time.
Place seeds on a damp paper towel. Put the towel and the seeds in a plastic bag and place in a refrigerator for one month. This mimics the natural cold-stratification of planting these native seeds in the fall and having the winter to cold stratify. Make sure the paper towel is kept moist the entire time. After a month, sow the seeds in a warm greenhouse or on a heated mat with a plastic dome. It is important to keep seeds moist while they are growing.. The seeds will appreciate the warmth to properly germinate into strong plants. Narrowleaf planted in the spring will not flower, until the following spring season. This is a slow growing perennial. It will go dormant in the late summer. Once established, it spreads through underground rhizomes.
After the initial blooming season, plants require minimal moisture. Fall time pruning will help it go dormant. Leave 1" stick.
Plants may appear eaten, but that is the monarch caterpillars feasting.
The caterpillars definitely prefer the milkweed grown from the Living Seed seeds. I love watching them relish those tender leaves. So many seeds are germinated, it's gratifying
I also got the Medicinal Packet. The stinging nettle served as a protective perch for one of the caterpillars, and I've been harvesting the leaves for tea. Yes, I feel better the day after a cup of hot nettle tea from the garden. The tulsi smells gorgeous. Just the smell is calming, and our plants are already reseeding.
I couldn't be happier with The Living Seed Company's seeds, and I've experienced many different companies. I'm a fan, for sure.
It's pretty late to plant milkweed seeds now, but many of them came up and were tiny plants until the caterpillars got them! They prefer the milkweed plants from Living Seed, even more than the ones I'd bought at the garden shops. Also, I know that they're not treated with any pesticides. Duh!
The milkweed is on a table, with the seeds I got from Living Seed of stinging nettle, part of the Medicinal Packet. Oh, boy. These plants did really well, and so far I've had two caterpillars make chrysalides on their leaves! At first I couldn't understand why they did that, but the stinging hairs don't bother the caterpillars, the leaves protect them from the rain, and nobody else would bother them as they're in their resting state. Very happy with these seeds. So are the cats!
I purchased milkweed from this seller. The plants arrived in great condition, and I felt that the seller genuinely cares about the environment and supporting local wildlife. I’m very happy with my purchase.
Actually very speedy delivery from time of order. Healthy seeds growing well under a seed starter. Next year I should have some bushy & very healthy plants for the butterfly arrival & start again with the seedlings. Very happy I contacted The Living Seed Company.
Very good customer service! These Asclepias fascicularis (Narrow-leaf Milkweed) seeds are fairly difficult to source. Glad to have found them here. My order was filled and sent within hours. The packet is attractive and provides helpful information about germination. I'm looking forward for these seeds becoming useful and beautiful native plants to support California native species, especially the Monarchs.
I ordered some native milkweed seeds recently. Altho I live in San Francisco, the seeds are to be planted in rural Mendocino County near Philo, Ca. The climate there is warmer and dryer than along the coast. We are about 3 miles from the coast.
Astrid was so helpful! She sent me instructions on the process of preparing and planting my narrow Leaf milkweed seeds so that I would be successful. Will definitely be buying more seeds from Living Seed Company again!
I was very happy with my order.
I made a mistake on my shipping address and sent an email to correct it.
Astrid corrected it and emailed me back promptly
These were ordered for our Farmdale Elementary School garden and they included extra seed packets... Thanks
Brad
I am so impressed by this company. They took the time to review my order and discovered I had ordered something that wasn't native to my area. They carefully suggested a couple alternatives that would be a better fit. Thank-you so much for your attention to detail and care!
thank you for the seeds. I will be planting them to grow 900 thin leaf California Milkweeds plants, for Monarch Butterfly larvae. The seeds arrived early and they are great.
I'm being asked to evaluate seeds I received about a week ago. I find that odd.
Mostly, I am thrilled to find these seeds that native to California. I look forward to germinating them. I got good instructions.
Another good thing was the seeds came right away! I had ordered 3 kinds of seeds, and they all arrived in the same envelope.
