Are you looking for a way to help save the monarch butterfly population? Planting milkweed in your garden is a great way to do your part. But when is the best time to plant it? And what type of milkweed should you choose? In this article, we will answer all your questions about planting milkweed to support monarch butterflies. We (Bazy Farm) will provide you with expert advice on when, where, and how to plant milkweed, and what you need to do to care for it.
Why Plant Milkweed?
Before we dive into the specifics of planting milkweed, let’s discuss why it’s so important. Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed as their primary food source and habitat. Without it, their population can decline rapidly. In recent years, monarch butterfly populations have been in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. Planting milkweed in your garden can help provide a safe haven for these beautiful creatures and support their population.
Types of Milkweed
Not all milkweed is created equal. It’s essential to plant milkweed native to your area, as non-native milkweed can harm monarchs and other pollinators. The most common milkweed species in North America is the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). However, there are over 100 perennial milkweed species native to North America. Some of the most popular milkweed species include:
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
- Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
- Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis)
Do some research to determine which milkweed species are native to your area. You can also ask your local nursery or garden center for recommendations.
How to Plant Milkweed
Now that you know when to plant milkweed let’s discuss how to plant it. Follow these steps to plant milkweed in your garden:
- Planting seeds: You can plant milkweed seeds directly into the soil or start them indoors in peat pots. If starting indoors, place one or two seeds in each pot, cover with 1/4 inch of soil, and water from the bottom up by adding 1/2 inch of water to the tray. If planting directly in the soil, scatter seeds on top of the soil, cover with 1/4 inch of additional soil, and water. Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days.
- Transplanting seedlings: Once your milkweed seedlings are 3-6 inches tall, you can transplant them into your garden. Plant them in blocks rather than long rows and space them 18-24 inches apart.
- When planting milkweed, make sure the top of the root ball is parallel to the soil line. Place more soil around the plant and firmly pack it down. To compact the dirt and eliminate any air pockets, water it thoroughly. Carefully remove your milkweed from the pot by gently tilting the plant over.
When to Plant Milkweed
The best time to plant milkweed is in the spring or fall, depending on the variety. Spring planting is ideal for tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), while fall planting is best for native milkweed varieties.
- Spring planting:: For tropical milkweed, it is recommended to start seeds indoors in late winter, 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant the 2-3 inch plants outside in a sunny location.
- Fall planting:: For native milkweed varieties, planting in the fall is best. This allows the seeds to stratify, which is a natural process of cold treatment that helps break down the seed coat and stimulate germination. Scatter the seeds on top of the soil, and cover with a thin layer of additional soil. Germination will take place in 7-10 days.
Tips On How To Care For Milkweed
Milkweed is an important plant for supporting the monarch butterfly population, as it is the only plant on which monarch caterpillars will feed. Here are some tips on how to care for milkweed:
- Planting: Fill peat pots 3/4 of the way with seed-starting potting soil, and moisten the soil until it is just damp. In each pot, put one or two seeds. Add dirt to the seed to a depth of 1/4 inch. From the bottom up, water the seed. Place the peat pots on a flat surface and fill the tray with 1/2 inch of water. Water will be absorbed by the pots.
- Watering: Swamp milkweed variants require regular irrigation or a naturally moist habitat. Water well to compress the soil and remove any air pockets. In general, it’s important to keep milkweed plants well-watered, especially during hot and dry weather conditions.
- Cutting back: After the milkweed has developed seed pods and these seeds have had time to mature, cut down the stalks in the late fall or winter. Leave at least 6 inches of stalks to serve as an insect habitat all winter long. You can use the stalks as a marker to identify the location of your milkweed patch. Birds such as Baltimore orioles can also strip the seeds from the pods in the winter, providing food for themselves.
- Staking: Milkweed plants have sturdy stems and generally don’t need staking. However, if you’re growing a particularly tall variety, it may be helpful to provide support to prevent the stems from bending or breaking.
Remember to plant milkweed in a sunny area with well-draining soil. Regular weeding around milkweed plants is also important to reduce competition for water and nutrients. By following these tips, you can help ensure the health and survival of your milkweed plants, and in turn, support the monarch butterfly population.