Question: Why is milkweed important to the monarch butterflies? 9. Please ask your regional seed vendor for planting recommendations. If you like Monarchs (and who doesn’t), then you need to grow milkweeds. Suggestions for a tidewater Virginia Butterfly Garden, Butterflies most likely to be seen in tidewater Virginia, How to Raise Variegated Fritillaries (Euptoieta claudia). Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a perennial plant that can be found in a wide range of habitats including roadsides, fields, and gardens. At present, nearly 40 milkweed species are available as seed to varying degrees, although availability varies widely by region. 6. If not, search for specific milkweed pages on this site or consult with Mother Google. At least that seems like a good idea. Other milkweed species can also be propagated in this manner. I will follow your directions outlined above. It is native to North America and reproduces primarily from seed. You can check the resources age for more natives/perennials or annuals:
Milkweed for North American Butterfly Gardens
Follow the steps on this post for fall planting. I have been told it is hard to grow from seed and want to try to do it and also share seed with friends. Place seeds into a container of moist soil, cover with a plastic bag and refrigerate for at least three weeks. Host Plants: Cherry, tulip tree, lilac, willow, ash, sweet-bay. Thanks so much, Nina.
Hi Nina, the only treatment native milkweed seeds need is cold moist stratification, which they should get naturally through a cold, snowy northeastern winter. When is the best time to do that, fall or spring?
Thank you!