In early bound , monarch butterfliesstart to migratenorth from Mexico , and there ’s a probability you could see them in your own railyard . While there are many peak you’re able to found for abeautiful butterfly garden , there ’s one heyday in particular that draws milkweed butterfly butterfly : milkweed . To learn all about planting and give care for coarse milkweed , as well as why monarchs love this flower , keep study !

Why are monarchs attracted to milkweed?

Milkweed is an essential works for monarch butterflies . They dwell their eggs on milkweed leave , and the crowned head caterpillars only rust milkweed . Without these flower , monarch butterfly Caterpillar do n’t have any food and ca n’t mature into monarch butterflies .

Unfortunately , milkweed is a threatened metal money of plant , andit is even believe endangeredin some states . Since there are fewer milkweed plants , adding milkweed to your garden can have a gravid impact . Monarchs appreciate any variety of milkweed , but they seem to favour usual silkweed and swampland milkweed .

Planting common milkweed

Step 1 : wrap up the milkweed seeds in a moist newspaper towel or dull soil in a sandwich bag .

Step 2 : Place the wrap seeds in the refrigerator for one to three months .

This cognitive process is called cold stratification . It simulates winter , and it is necessary for germination . Note that this is only necessary when planting common milkweed in the spring . you’re able to skip this step by planting milkweedin the tumble .

Step 3 : prefer an orbit with full or partial sunshine .

gradation 4 : Use average garden soil .

rough-cut milkweed will farm in a range of soils , including those with some Henry Clay . If your grunge bear a large amount of clay orhas poor drainage , then swamp milkweed is the better choice .

stone’s throw 5 : Dampen the ground before planting .

This helps the seeds bind to the ground and gives them a jumpstart on germinating .

stone’s throw 6 : Scatter the seed across the area .

Like most wild flower , you do n’t take to plant the seeds individually , but you may if you prefer an even , orderly appearance .

Step 7 : Scatter a thin layer of ground , rough 1/4 an inch , over the seed .

Caring for milkweed

After plant , here ’s how to care for your milkweed :

Step 1 : piss it only when the soil is dry .

Step 2 : Avoid using insecticides or pesticide .

You do n’t want to hurt the monarchs or their eggs ! retrieve that it ’s important for the milkweed butterfly caterpillars to eat the milkweed .

Step 3 : Watch for monarchs in former to mid - spring .

stride 4 : Don’t scare if your milkweed does n’t blossom at first !

Milkweed often spends the first twelvemonth growing and strengthening its roots , then blooming and producing seeds during the 2d year .

Milkweed is an authoritative plant , and it is , unfortunately , becoming harder and harder for monarch butterfly to find . By add even a few common milkweed flora to your grounds or garden , you could help tons of monarch butterflies safely lay their eggs . Watching monarch caterpillars turn into butterfly is amazing , and you could see it happen in your own backyard !