Great spangled fritillaries on milkweed
GROW HOST PLANTS
We just can’t stress enough how important it is to have host plants in your garden plan. Native milkweed is important for monarchs, but don’t stop there. Check out our “Top 10 Host Plants.”
PLANT NATIVES
Natives are naturally better for birds, bees and butterflies. If you’re overwhelmed about where to start, look up a good native plant source in your area. Then ask them what they recommend.
ELIMINATE PESTICIDES
A caterpillar isn’t going to make it to the butterfly stage if you’re using pesticides in your yard. While it’s tempting to have weed-free, green lawns, it’s best to say no to all yard chemicals.
KEEP ’EM BLOOMING
Butterflies are active as early as February and as late as November in many areas. (Of course, if you live in a warmer climate, you get an even longer butterfly season.) Offer plants with early and late season bloom times, so butterfly visitors always have something to eat. You can’t go wrong with this logic. It works great for attracting beneficial bees, too!
WATCH AND LEARN
One of the best ways to discover which plants butterflies like is to watch them! Butterfly watching is best done in the heat of the day. You can learn a lot by observing the plants they visit most. If you don’t have a lot of butterfly activity in your own yard, go to a local park or botanical garden.
3 Secrets to Growing Milkweed
- More is better.
Milkweed can be surprisingly hard to get started, so overseed to increase your chance of success. - Try plants.
If you can’t get milkweed seeds started, buy plants. Native gardening groups can point you in the right direction for suppliers. - Look for variety.
With more than 100 species of milkweed, what works for some might not work for others. Don’t be afraid to try a few.
Nancy A. Speed says
Avoding the use of pesticides is a must, BUT using seeds or plants that are GMO FREE is a must, too!!!!!! The survival of the butterflies (bees, and birds) is dependent on people using plants with seeds that are not genetically modified, so that these migrating butterflies, bees, and birds will not become sick or die before they leave our yard. PLEASE stress this, as it is VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! TY
Judy says
Nancy, have you found a non gmo nursery or online company that sells the milkweed seeds or plants? I’m trying to avoid the online scams.
Thank you! Judy in Virginia
Arlene says
I’ve just read on their site that Burpee, which sells both seeds and plants, has been “non-GMO since 1876.” I’m new to watching out for this, so I may be missing a special detail, but I hope not.
Jana says
I added this source in another comment, but it is a good source. Try WitsEndGardens.com for natives, non-GMO and neonicotinoid-free plants.
Ellie says
I was very shocked and upset at Home Dep[ot last week when all of their citrus trees had tags that they had been sprayed and had neconides/ aminopyralids in them. Had planned to get some to make a hedge for swallowtails and other butterflies but luckily read the small print on tags. People need to read all the small print before purchasing any plants as more and more are GMO or necconides /amnopyralida.treated. These kill not only the butterflies etc but if composted will kill many other plants if compost used in garden..
darrell says
I have been rooting stems in perlite, it works great
Allie says
I’ve had no trouble growing milkweed in my garden. In fact, it’s somewhat invasive as it crowds out other flowers. I have to work to keep them in control.
sue b says
i raised monarchs last yr.what an experience that was… now im official! I have my milkweed beds and they love yarrow and allium too! this year ive started 3 different kinds of milkweed and butterfly/bee attractors. anxious for this goofy weather to break so everything can start growing good! also glad i live far enough between neighbors that spray. try to keep as many in this area as i can. hate it when i watch them spray. asked me when i was going to, as they dont care for dandies flying. think you can guess my reply, im not…. all organic here:)
tasha says
The Mexican/tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is bright and pretty, but not native to most of the US – but is being sold by box stores and nurseries. Problem is that it continues blooming (until frost – like an annual) and makes monarchs lay eggs/have caterpillars too late in the season and/or linger in cold climates too long – making them die from freezing. Please avoid it – stick to the milkweed in your area to help the butterflies.
Sylvia says
I live n.e. TN and I do get I think native milkweed but many never get to the flower stage the past few years as something is eating them like a ‘cutting’ insect. They are usually in the middle of some low growing evergreen ground covers on a hill, with limited sunlight. I never use insecticide as I also feed all sorts of birds. I have never seen milkweed in packets of seeds, but will look.
Jana says
In my area the Milkweed incarnata (swamp milkweed) is hands down the Monarch favorite for host plants. I grow dill for swallowtails too. For those looking for natives, non-GMO and neonicotinoid free plants, I get mine from WitsEndGardens.com. They ship across the US.