Common milkweed (Asclepis syrica). The long, oblong leaves are light green and grow to about 8 inches long. Check out the Agribusiness Management B.S. For more tips on fall planting, see “Fall Planting Milkweed Seeds – 10 Simple Steps!” from Monarch Butterfly Garden. Some species grow exclusively in specific regions while others will thrive in jus… Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a red, showier variety. Get familiar with milkweed: there are some imposters out there. Most milkweed share the same advantages in the garden: they thrive in all regions, tolerate almost any soil type, bloom in the early-mid summer, are deer resistant, and — of course — attract bees, butterflies, and more to the garden. The milkweed flower (Asclepias syriaca) and its cousin butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) are an integral part of the butterfly garden, a source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. More milkweed in Michigan means more food for pollinators, and more places for monarchs on their migration. Stepping all over the area is an easy way to do this, but if you’re seeding a large area you could also use a seed roller. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Prior to … It can be a challenge to grow but once established it will thrive for years to come and spread quickly. Butterfly weed is native to the prairies of the Midwestern United States. It is a threatened species in the state of Michigan, and the main habitat for Monarch butterflies , which have seen an alarming population decline in recent years due to habitat loss and climate change. In the second summer and for years to come you’ll enjoy bursts of blooms that are irresistible to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Water the area frequently after planting until plants become established. Once established, this native plant is a breeze to grow and requires little maintenance. The life cycle of Monarchs starts by adult Monarchs laying eggs on the milkweed plants. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is the famous orange milkweed species native from Canada to Florida. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Milkweed is a family of plants. Once established, this native plant is a breeze to grow and requires little maintenance. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is native to the Midwest and boasts light green/white blooms that illuminate in the moonlight. Grab a friend, bring a kid, put the dog on a leash and go out and collect milkweed seeds! This Michigan native occurs throughout most of the United States and thrives in almost any well drained soil and produces a profusion of fragrant mauve colored flowers in midsummer. You can plant the seeds anywhere. Use the map tool to select a state and learn which milkweed plants grow in that area. Older milkweed plants are very difficult to transplant, so we do not recommend transplanting older, large milkweeds. Large seed pods open up and self seed readily, spreading this native wildflower’s seeds each season. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) produces purple/pink flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love. Once you’ve pressed the seeds into the soil, give the area a good watering to set the seeds. It is extremely elegant, producing willowy foliage and pink blooms. These little, fluffy seeds hold a lot of potential for monarchs passing through Michigan, and are important to many bees. If you plant tropical milkweed in your home landscape, do so with caution. Container plants can be planted in spring, but it is advisable to wait until the threat of spring frosts has passed. Butterfly weed, also known as butterfly milkweed (Asclepis tuberosa). What do you do with milkweed seeds? Milkweed plants got their name from the milk-like sap that is contained inside this perennial plant. Winter Sowing Milkweed Seeds Part 2: Prepare Your Containers, photos of milkweed bugs and get more tips on saving seeds, Finding, Collecting, and Growing Milkweed, Milkweeds: A Conservation Practitioner’s Guide. Learn how to manage the spread of milkweed in your garden. Rototillers are often available for rent at your local hardware store for a minimal fee. Because milkweed seeds are large enough to pick out and spread one by one, you can do this to ensure the seeds aren’t over-crowded. Remember that because milkweed are perennials, the first season you’ll likely only see foliage as the plants get established in your garden. This part is easy and fun! Starting seeds indoors in winter It’s too warm for the ground to be frozen but too cold for seeds to sprout before winter sets in. A step-by-step resource to saving seeds and planting milkweed to help monarchs and other pollinators. I hope this information helpful and thank you for using Ask an Expert. Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a native herbaceous perennial whose main virtue is its appeal to butterfliesespecially the monarch, which deposits its eggs on the milkweed. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important for getting the most out of your garden. Milkweed plants are common host plants for Monarch butterflies. The most common varieties are orange Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and pink Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), but there are dozens of other varieties to choose from. If that breaks your heart, and understandably so, plant some of those milkweed seeds in its honor so more caterpillars make their way in future years. Although you can plant Milkweed in the spring after cold stratification and starting seeds indoors, fall is the easier — and more natural — time to plant. The seed pods turn brown over time and are nice for adding winter interest to the garden. Less water, less mowing, and no pesticides. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Click here to view our General Gardening Guides. To donate, visit Monarch Watch and view a list of some Michigan Land Conservancy programs. (Make sure you get permission before you go on any private land.). The key is to make sure there is no existing growth in the area before planting, so the milkweed seeds won’t need to fight underneath the surface to establish their roots. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). Use old, plastic containers like yogurt containers. Before planting the seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours to ensure that moisture breaks through their hard shells and reaches their tiny embryos. A showy variety of asclepias, Spider Milkweed's off-white blossoms surrounded in green, along ... Sign Up For Our Best DealsAnd get $5 off your first qualifying order. So how do you decide which varieties to plant in your garden? If you are doing an outdoor stratification, you can skip this step. Butterflies and bees can use your help in planting more of these plants. Fluffs of white appear along country roads in Michigan every fall – the seed pods of milkweed plants. The nitrogen tells the plant to grow lots of leaves and stems, so don't fertilize common milkweed if you want it to flower. Help the birds, bees, butterflies & hummingbirds by planting wildflowers. If you’ve been thinking about planting fall milkweed this season, November is the best time for most of us to complete this simple garden task. Photo by David Cappaert, MSU, Bugwood.org. Find mixtures for your region, or for special uses such as dry areas, partial shade, attracting animals, low growing, and more. Plant the Seeds Indoors. As the plants can be toxic; consumption of the plant protects caterp… Many species need to be vernalized (cold treated) before planting. Milkweed releases its seeds at the end of the summer. So planting your milkweed seed in fall not only mimics how milkweed is planted in nature, but it eliminates the need for cold stratification as the cold winter months will do that for you. Seedlings will emerge in spring, and the plants will grow both taller and larger every year. I planted several packets of milkweed seed for this blog and it took me less than an hour (including stopping to take photos). to help with germination. It is extremely elegant, producing willowy foliage and pink blooms. Needs fast-draining soil and full sun. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. It grows in dry fields, roadsides, waste places, and prairies; often in large stands, that can be spotted from a moving car. For additional information on keeping seeds over the winter and planting in the spring or other times, check out the Michigan State University publication, How to Collect and Grow Milkweeds to Help Monarchs and Other Pollinators. It’s a convenient and … Use your finger to poke holes in the soil and drop a seed in each hole. Show your Spartan pride and give the gift of delicious MSU Dairy Store cheese this holiday season! Cover and wait for spring! Like all wildflowers, milkweed should be planted on bare soil. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a showier variety of Common Milkweed. Bring envelopes or baggies and a marker so that each species can be kept separate. If it is already freezing, it is unlikely that it would be able to mature into a butterfly and make it to the roost this year. But Milkweed is also a decorative and showy addition to the garden, offering up tufts of long-lasting blooms in the summer months. Support local wildlife with native wildflowers. It will also attract beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden or meadow. The stems and leav… Create a patch of bare soil and water it so the soil is moist. Planting a variety of native plants including milkweed … Fall Planting Milkweed For Spring Monarchs September 29 By Tony Gomez Fall is the perfect time to get a head start on the monarch season for next year. Many gardeners realize the importance of adding milkweed to their gardens to help the disappearing Monarch population. Gardeners should also cut it back to ground-level once a year. A showy variety of asclepias, Spider Milkweed's off-white blossoms surrounded in green, along with its shorter height (12"), make for a unique statement in the summer garden. Milkweed seeds are produced in pretty, pointed seedpods packed with seeds, each on a shimmering, feathery cluster of silk. 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. You can also plant milkweed in the spring! If you live in a climate with a warmer winter, you can plant your seeds in either the spring or the fall. Milkweeds grow well in disturbed areas, so scout in ditches, pastures, field edges, medians, etc. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. This is an all-around good idea for the garden. A. curassavica is not yet considered an invasive species in Florida. If you’d like to start preparing for spring the easy way, plant your perennial milkweed seeds (and plants) in the fall. You can purchase milkweed seeds and plants at the following places: Here is a table of commercially available milkweeds for Michigan. Dampen the mix and plant the seeds, covering them lightly with more soil. Why is this? This helps reduce the risk of disease build up. The beautiful flowers of milkweeds produce pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. These little, fluffy seeds hold a lot of potential for monarchs passing through Michigan, and are important to many bees. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. Sow the seeds in a sunny spot, perhaps in a corner of a flower bed, where you can keep an eye on them as they come up. Learn about varieties which help to replenish nutrients to your soil. I like to store my seeds in paper envelopes, which are easy to label, or in jars if I have a lot of seed. And that’s that! If you miss the window for fall planting, the seeds can be planted in the spring, too. Additional information to certify your waystation, including kits, brochures and information, can be found at Monarch Watch, as well as the applications for Monarch Waystations and a guide to creating a waystation. After stra… Collect the silky seed pods as they develop. All of the milkweed seed we handle at American Meadows is non-GMO and neonicotinoid-free. Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies’ favorite plants and will bring many winged friends to your garden or meadow. It is about one to two feet tall, with glossy, lanceolate leaves that are arranged spirally up the length of the stem. You can plant milkweed seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, but they will need to be stratified for 2 to 3 months in the refrigerator before planting in spring for better germination. When emerging milkweeds have three to four sets of leaves, thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Perennial. Depending on the variety, flowers come in all shades of pink, orange, and white, fitting in with any garden style as long as you have a spot to really let it multiply and grow. Like Whorled Milkweed, Clasping Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis) and Green Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) thrive in full sun, but even drier sites (mesic dry to dry) again preferring poorer soils. Depending on your area and garden style, either method will work. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. Poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage and fill with a few inches of potting mix. Types of Milkweed. October and November work well in Michigan – you want the soil to be too cold for the seeds to germinate, but not yet frozen. Often, you only really need a seed or two, especially if you have a small garden, while a milkweed pod can yield dozens of seeds. Perennial. October and November work well in Michigan – you want the soil to be too cold for the seeds to germinate, but not yet frozen. Perennial. They blow away on the wind thanks to their silky parachutes. Different milkweed plants grow across the United States. © 2020 AmericanMeadows.com All rights reserved, Find the Right Perennials for Your Garden, Watch Our Spring-Planted Flower Bulb Videos, Watch Our Fall-Planted Flower Bulb Videos. If you do scatter them loosely by hand, come spring when the seeds start to germinate you may want to thin them out if they are extremely close together. Miss the window for fall planting? After you’ve sown your milkweed seeds, you need to compact them into the soil (but don’t cover them!) Show your dedication to monarch conservation by registering your site as a Monarch Waystation. Needs fast-draining soil and full sun. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Over 110 choices for fast color, such as poppies, cosmos, sunflowers, zinnia, and many more. Planting local milkweed species is always best. Milkweed seeds can be collected from existing plants or purchased from commercial suppliers. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Fluffs of white appear along country roads in Michigan every fall – the seed pods of milkweed plants. Milkweed is extremely forgiving when it comes to soil and really only requires full sun (at least 6-8 per day). These seed packets will cover a 50 square foot area. Sprinkled among the grassy meadows and tracts of bittersweet and Queen Anne’s lace, is a rare plant species called Sullivant’s milkweed. Common milkweed plants grow to about 2 to 4 feet in height, with a thin, vertical growth habit. You have to take care of the seeds to make sure they will be viable for spring planting. Even if you don’t have enough room to plant milkweed, you can help by volunteering for seed collection trips with a local Land Conservancy, or by donating your seeds to other projects that help monarchs. milkweed for monarchs seed packets Monarch butterflies are attracted to the nectar of the Common Milkweed flower, consume the leaves as a food source and make their chrysalis on the plant. Cousin to the common eastern milkweed, showy milkweed is native to areas west of the Mississippi, with its range extending into Michigan and Ohio in the East. Or, block out a corner of a garden bed to plant the seeds. Buy seeds and plant in fall, as they need cold temperatures for at least three months before they germinate. You can plant them immediately this fall. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Free Ground Shipping Right To Your Event Or Business, Attract Pollinators & Do Good For The Environment. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. Seeds need a three-month period of exposure to cold (cold stratification), so it is a good practice to plant seeds in autumn. Over 75 choices that will bloom in the second year and for years to come. Depending on the size of your area, you can either remove existing growth by hand and then rake the soil up before planting, or use a rototiller. Choose a sunny corner where the milkweeds can spread. Although you can plant Milkweed in the spring after cold stratification and starting seeds indoors, fall is the easier — and more natural — time to plant. Spider Milkweed, is extremely drought tolerant and thrives in dry, fast-draining soils. October 27, 2015. Michigan State University Extension offers the followings steps on what you can do. For more tips on winter sown milkweed, see “Winter Sowing Milkweed Seeds Part 2: Prepare Your Containers” from Monarch Butterfly Garden. It’s really personal preference. More than 100 species of this herbaceous perennial are native to the U.S. and Canada. Meghan Milbrath, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Entomology, and Duke Elsner, MSU Extension - You can collect your own seed or purchase seed or plants to add to your garden, or any landscape in your community. This information is for educational purposes only. Otherwise they are pretty tough and will take care of themselves. Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies’ favorite plants and will bring ... Spider Milkweed, is extremely drought tolerant and thrives in dry, fast-draining soils. If you find yourself with more seeds than you can use, here are a few ideas: Step by step instructions on how to plant your spring-planted flower bulbs when they arrive. Milkweed seeds require stratification to germinate. It will show up on the International Monarch Waystation Registry, and you can order a sign to teach your neighbors about monarch conservation. Growing milkweed supplies larvae of the Monarch with food and shelter, providing caterpillars food and a resting place before they leave the caterpillar stage and become butterflies. Milkweed is the sole host for monarch larvae to feed on. Their milkweed diet also makes them toxic to predators, which they show off in brilliant, orange-and-black wings we love to spot in the garden. Many have adapted to different regions of the country and a wide range of climates and terrains, from deserts and rocky areas to marshes and open prairies. Put your container outside in a shady spot, like the north side of your garage. Because you’re planting in the fall, you won’t need to water after this until early spring when the seeds start to germinate. 50% Off Spring-Planted Bulbs - Pre-Order For Spring. You can plant them immediately this fall. Swamp milkweed (Asclepis incarnate). And do not grow if you have grazing animals being one of the more toxic Milkweeds. Why Buy Seed Favors For Your Promotion Or Event: Step by step instructions on how to plant your bare root or potted perennials when they arrive. This is important because some seeds treated with neonicotinoids could harm or even kill pollinators when they feed on the plants. This variety is extremely attractive to Monarch butterflies, bees, and other beneficial bugs. Collecting Milkweed Seeds. Poke a few holes in the lid and cover your container. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Thrives in areas with cold freezing winters and hot summers. It's important to carefully choose the spot where you'll plant your milkweed as they will self-seed and spread rather quickly. Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa Clasping milkweed, Asclepias amplexicaulis ... Mich. park plants 400K milkweed seeds to help monarchs USA Today The Rainbow Rest Stop is ready for the butterflies Milkweed planted on Mackinac Island to aid monarch butterflies. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is the famous orange milkweed species native from Canada to Florida. What To Do With Extra Seeds. In short, direct sowing milkweed seeds in fall is much easier than planting in the spring. When selecting your Milkweed seeds, check the label to make sure they are neonicotinoid-free. Those of us with cold winters need to either sow our seeds in the fall or cold stratify them for spring planting. Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) has narrow leaves in whorls of 3 to 8 and umbels of white flowers that normally appear along the upper third of the plant.This is one of our shortest milkweeds, appearing slender in habit. Once the … Growing Milkweed From Seed: To start milkweed from seed, the easiest way is to emulate Mother Nature and plant them in the fall. Step by step instructions on how to plant your wildflower seeds. Make holes. Choose a self-contained area in the garden that isn’t in the middle of an existing garden bed. Wildflower seeds native to your region. Fall Planting Milkweed Seeds – 10 Simple Steps! (Asclepias viridis). Be forewarned, however, that you will likely end up with butterfly … program! Milkweeds (Asclepias) get their name from the sticky white sap that oozes from the leaves when they are damaged. You can winter sow many types of milkweed. Milkweed, also known as Asclepias, is one of the best native wildflowers for attracting pollinators to the garden and is the sole host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a showier variety of Common Milkweed. If you really want to start your seeds in the spring, first you must break their dormancy with cold stratification, which we cover in … Photo by Duke Elsner, MSU Extension. When the caterpillars hatch, they feed on the leaves of milkweed. After clearly labeling the sealed bag as \"milkweed seeds\" and dating it, place it in a refrigerator for 10 to 12 weeks. Fall seeding is extremely quick and easy because you’re letting nature do all the ground work until germination. Or, if you prefer, you can simply throw them out by the handful. If you’ve ever seen milkweed in action in the fall, it’s easy to understand. Photo by Duke Elser, MSU Extension. It has flat clusters of bright orange blossoms and blooms from early summer to first frost in most areas. I like to use the eraser-end of a pencil to get ¼ in holes in my soil. The beautiful flowers of milkweeds produce pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed is the plant most people think of when they hear the word ‘milkweed’. These three free-flowering varieties are useful in landscaping, too. Michigan Native Milkweed Species. If anything we sell fails to grow in your garden, we will replace or refund your order. Choose a sunny corner where the milkweeds can spread. It will also attract beautiful butte... Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) produces purple/pink flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love. Several kinds of milkweed plants grow in the United States. Roll the seeds in a damp paper towel, or place them in moist peat moss, and then put them in a plastic bag. 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