Milkweed (2024)

FAQs

What is the correct milkweed for monarchs? ›

Female monarchs will lay eggs on all nine milkweed species, but they prefer some over others. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) averaged the highest number of eggs. Monarch caterpillars hatching from eggs laid on tall green milkweed (A.

Milkweed grows throughout the US and is essential for the survival of monarch butterflies. All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion in small amounts, and seizures, heart rhythm changes, respiratory paralysis, and even death in large amounts.

It is not recommended to plant milkweed within 10 miles of the coast in central and northern California where milkweed did not occur historically. Instead, plant a variety of flowers native to your region that provide nectar from early spring through fall to support monarchs and other pollinators.

You can squish the aphids and then rinse the plants with water to dislodge them from the plant. Make sure to check for monarch eggs and caterpillars first! A mild solution of dish soap and water can also be used to kill aphids on milkweed plants (again, after monarchs have been removed).

Tropical milkweed can also interfere with monarch migration and reproduction. When grown in northern areas, where it can grow later in the year than native species, the presence of tropical milkweed may confuse monarchs into breeding at a time when they should be migrating.

You can sow milkweed seeds by scattering them on the soil surface 1/4-1/2 inch apart, and then cover them with about 1/4 inch of additional soil. Water the area frequently after planting until plants become established.

That's because people have been planting the wrong species of milkweed, thereby increasing the odds of monarchs becoming infected with a crippling parasite. Habitat loss in both the United States and Mexico has long been the main threat to the North American monarch population.

Milkweed has a reputation for encroaching on cropland where it can compete with crops for soil and light. The plant can also create a nuisance on ranchlands, as cattle can be poisoned when poor foraging conditions lead hungry cows to milkweed-concentrated areas as a last resort.

The common milkweed is very aggressive and can take over your butterfly garden very quickly. Luckily, there are several less aggressive alternatives that serve butterflies and pollinators.

REPEL WITH PLANTS: Some plants, including onions and marigolds, have been shown to repel aphids and naturally reduce their numbers. Planting these repellents close to milkweed can attract more butterflies while keeping aphid numbers down to reasonable levels.

Does vinegar keep aphids away? ›

Does vinegar kill aphids? Vinegar contains acetic acid, and spraying a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water on aphids will kill them. Unfortunately, it will also kill or damage your plants, so I don't recommend using a vinegar spray for aphid control in the garden.

If you spot aphids on your milkweed, don't panic. The good news is that they're unlikely to deter monarchs from laying eggs or keep the caterpillars from developing. However, a bad enough infestation can weaken the plant, and they look pretty unattractive.

Depending on who you ask, this could be a good or bad thing – the pollinators sure love it, but some (though not all) asclepias can quickly choke other plants out. Asclepias is also known as Milkweed.

Deer and rabbits have been reported to eat milkweed leaves, and there are many other insects that feed on milkweed such as milkweed bugs, tussock moths, queen butterfly larvae, and more. Nectar and pollen from milkweeds are important food sources for many pollinators, in addition to monarch butterflies.

O.e. is a microscopic parasite on milkweed and especially tropical milkweed that can, over a year or two, accumulate to where it seriously damages if not kills monarch caterpillars and butterflies. To help eliminate it, some people bleach the milkweed in a 5% bleach solution and even harvested eggs.

The milkweed will sprout next spring. Common milkweed can also be planted in larger flower pots or raised beds in late September or early October. It is also important you use non-chemically treated potting soil or Miracle Grow enhanced dirt. A cheap non-chemical top soil works best.

It's best to leave them alone during these periods. After they are done, they'll devour the shedded skin, and head back for some fresh milkweed...so make sure there is some close by! 2. Caterpillars will also crawl off milkweed if it's not fresh or if plants/cuttings/leaves are overcrowded.

Ms. My experience raising monarch butterflies: Only pure milkweed that the caterpillars will survive thru all stages and emerge into butterflies. If you give it the seed pods, cuttings that kept in water, cucumbers; they eat those, jhook, turn into chrysalis then die.

Monarch Caterpillars Eat Two Types of Milkweed

But don't limit yourself to these two common species; there are dozens of milkweed varieties to plant, and monarch caterpillars will munch them all.

Ideally, the best time to plant milkweed seeds is in the fall so the cold temperatures and moisture that come with winter stimulate germination. You can also plant milkweed in the springtime.

Which milkweed to plant? ›

We recommend planting native milkweeds only. California is home to 15 species of milkweed. Two of these species, showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) and narrow-leaved milkweed (A. fascicularis), are widely available from plant suppliers. Some other species, including woollypod milkweed (A.

Asclepias tuberosa, commonly called Butterfly Milkweed is actually a variety of milkweed and is a host plant for Monarch butterflies. It is also a fabulous nectar plant for many species of butterflies. In my garden, I value it more as a nectar plant than a host plant.