January Plant of the Month

Seeds for Pollinators

by Adrienne Roethling,

Director of Curation and Mission Delivery

In this Special Addition of Plant of the Month, we are offering seeds collected from our own gardens.  The batch of seeds include favorite plants for pollinators.  Not only will you be receiving sustainable seeds for the Monarch Butterflies, but more plants for nectar and pollen.  All pollinators thrive on nectar and more importantly, pollen.  No matter where they gather food, this seed batch will improve the chances for more pollinators in your yard.

 

This collection will include three species of milkweed; our native perennial butterfly weed and two annual milkweeds.  In addition, you will find zinnias and sunflowers that provide summer long color.  Fill about one gallon sized containers with potting soils, about 2/3 of the way full.  Scatter up to 10 seeds per pot and cover with a light layer of more potting soil.  Gently water with a mist bottle or watering can, keeping the soils moist but not wet.  Place pots in plastic Ziploc bags to allow humidity to build up.  Keep out of direct sun and spray with mist or gently water often, maybe daily.  Once seedlings germinate and grow several inches tall, divide into smaller containers and continue to water.  Plant outdoors after the fear of frost is gone and water well for proper root establishment. 

 

Join or renew your garden membership during the month of January and your name will be included in a drawing for a mix of milkweed seeds and other seeds for pollinators.