Common milkweed is the exclusive food of the endangered monarch butterfly. These butterflies eat the milkweed leaves in their caterpillar stage in order to make themselves toxic to birds! This plant has beautiful, fragrant flowers that pollinators LOVE. Be sure you have space for this plant because the average milkweed grows 3-5 feet tall.
Planting/Harvesting Notes
- Plant in large open space in well drained soil with full sun.
- Milkweed likes to grow in disturbed areas so maintain a weed free area until the plants are established
- Once the flowers bloom, they will be replaced by seed pods. Either save these seed pods for later or remove them to prevent the milkweed from spreading
- Milkweed will come back every year and will produce more of itself very vigorously.
Seed saving notes
Wait until pods form on the plant. Once the pods have dried and slightly popped open, you should see brown seeds inside. Collect this and separate them from the fluffy parts. Store the seeds in a labeled paper envelope/bag.
To start from seed, place in a coffee filter or paper towel and seal into a plastic baggie. Store in the refrigerator for 30 days, then plant in potting soil. Transplant when seedlings are 4 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, scatter seeds in the fall and rake into the soil. They should germinate the following spring.
