MILKWEED
Here's some planting and important things to know about milkweed.
Monarchs, Bees & More.
Monarch butterflies are rapidly declining due to loss of habitat and use of pesticides. Growing milkweed is the most effective way to help because it is the only plant that sustains a monarch through each of its life stages. It also produces a chemical that makes monarchs toxic and bitter-tasting to some of their predators.
Milkweed, scientifically called Asclepias, is a huge genus, with more than 140 species throughout the Americas. It’s the only plant that hosts monarch caterpillars.
Instructions for preparing and planting Common Milkweed Seed (Asclepias Syriaca) and Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) from seed.
Planting and growing milkweed for butterflies and other pollinators can be a rewarding and beneficial activity to support local wildlife and promote biodiversity. Here are the general steps to planting and growing milkweed:
Picture: Caterpillar through the metamorphosis stages.
Let's Get Started:
Understanding Milkweed Seed & Germinating
Step 1: To start Milkweed seed, we recommend starting inside, but before this happens Milkweed seeds need to go through a cold stratification period. Cold stratification is very important for the germination and growth of milkweed. It helps break the seeds' natural dormancy cycle. To do this, we recommend placing milkweed seed in a damp paper towel or damp sand in a zip lock bag and placing it in your fridge for 3 - 6 weeks (30 days). Place it in an area of the fridge, where it won't get damaged. We taped ours to the bottom of a refrigerator shelf.
Picture: Monarch caterpillar in
full form chrysalis.
Growing Indoors
Step 2: Planting - Once the 30 days are complete, it's time to plant the cold stratified milkweed seeds. We recommend planting in 2-4" peat pots. Fill peat pots ¾ of the way with potting soil and gently add water. Water should be able to drain through the peat pots. Once the soil is damp, place 1-2 cold stratified seeds into each pot. To finish, place ¼ inch of soil on top of the seed.
Watering - Gently water the planted seed to give additional hydration. The best way to water is from the bottom up. Use a flat pan under the peat pots and add a half inch of water to the bottom of the tray. Don't over water as it can cause fungus. Water every day or every other day as needed. The best way to test the soil dampness is to touch it. If the soil seems dry, then add water; if it's wet, wait for the soil to dry out to water.
Light Requirements - For the next few weeks, make sure the milkweed is either in a sunny window, in a green house or under a grow light. Milkweed needs lots of sun and warmth to grow. If you're using a grow light, make sure to lower the bulb closer to the pots or your seedlings may become leggy, as they stretch to the light. Ideally, a sturdier stem is better. Cold stratified seeds should germinate and sprout within 10-15 days once planted. In total, milkweed from the day they are cold, stratified to growth can take 40 plus days, so be patient!
Other planting options: Place dry seed (not stratified) in seed starting soil and plant in peat pots under a grow light or in a greenhouse to germinate seeds. The success rate for this is low and more difficult to accomplish. If you choose to use this option, it can take months for the seeds to germinate.
If you are planting seed outside, we suggest seeding in late fall, and letting the milkweed seed lay on the ground through winter. Milkweed seeds will have a long winter of dormancy, so once the sun comes out and the ground warms in the spring, the seeds will germinate on their own.
Picture: The complete transformation started from an egg, then a caterpillar which formed inside a chrysalis and then finally emerges as an adult monarch butterfly.
Transplanting Milkweed Seedling Outdoors
Step 3: Milkweed does well in open areas with full sunlight exposure in areas like fields, parks, cultivated gardens, roadsides, highway medians, and roadsides. We suggest transplanting milkweed when the plant is no larger than 3 inches tall. In most cases, in transplanting, the milkweed plant will go through some shock and could lose all its leaves. If it happens, don't panic. The plant is trying to establish its roots and will eventually grow leaves again.
This is the main reason we suggest planting seeds in peat pots, because milkweed roots are very sensitive. Peat pots breakdown over time in the ground, which allows the milkweed roots to grow without being disrupted. We found this to be the best way to transplant. If you decide to plant them in plastic containers, make sure it's deep enough for roots to grow. If you receive a plant already grown in plastic, be careful to take out the plant and not disturb the roots.
When to Plant Milkweed
Soil moisture and temperature are very important when growing milkweed. The best time to plant milkweed is in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. If you plant seeds late in the spring, the seeds may not grow due to germination time and temperature. Common Milkweed seed doesn't germinate over 85 degrees.
Caring for Milkweed Plants
Once your seedling is planted, water it for a few days to get it established, but after that, the plant doesn't need a lot of supplemental water. Only water if you have an unusual dry spell. Peat pots are nice to use, but you need to be sure there is no top edge above the soil line after transplanting. In dry climates, this will wick away valuable soil moisture. A small 2 1/2" diameter × 3 in. deep pot is ideal.
Asclepias are somewhat finicky native plants. So minimizing the time growing in a pot and transplanting them as young plants is the best approach.
Additional caring tips for your milkweed
Select a suitable planting location: Milkweed typically grows best in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Choose a location in your garden or yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and has good drainage. Avoid planting milkweed in low-lying areas that are prone to standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Prepare the planting site: Clear the planting area of any weeds, rocks, or debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches and amend it with organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Sow or transplant milkweed seeds/plants: If you are starting milkweed from seeds, sow them directly into the prepared soil according to the recommended planting depth and spacing for the specific milkweed species. Alternatively, you can purchase milkweed plants from a reputable nursery or source and transplant them into the prepared soil. Space the plants according to the recommended spacing for the specific milkweed species, usually about 12-18 inches apart.
Provide habitat for pollinators: Milkweed is not only a food source for monarch butterflies and other pollinators, but it also serves as a habitat for them. Avoid removing milkweed leaves or stems, as they can provide shelter and nesting sites for butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Monitor for pests and diseases: While milkweed is generally resistant to pests and diseases, occasional issues may arise. Monitor your milkweed plants regularly for any signs of pest infestations or disease, such as aphids, milkweed bugs, or fungal infections, and take appropriate measures to manage them using environmentally friendly methods, such as hand-picking pests or using natural predators like ladybugs.
Enjoy the blooms and wildlife: Milkweed plants typically bloom in the summer, producing clusters of colorful flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Enjoy the beauty of the flowers and the wildlife they attract, and observe the important role milkweed plays in supporting pollinator populations.
By following these steps, you can successfully plant and grow milkweed to provide habitat and food for butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to the conservation of these important species and promoting biodiversity in your local ecosystem.
MILKWEED BY REGION
Northeast/Midwest: common (Asclepias syriaca); swamp (A. incarnata); butterfly weed (A. tuberosa); whorled (A. verticillata); poke (A. exaltata).