Plant FAQs: Milkweed

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How to plant milkweed seeds?

Last spring, I decided to plant milkweed seeds to help out the monarch butterfly population. It wasn’t too difficult, but it did take some patience. I started by reading up on seed stratification, which apparently helps mimic winter conditions and improves germination. So, I followed instructions to store the seeds in the fridge for a month nestled in a damp paper towel. After that, I filled small pots with a seed-starting mix and carefully placed just two seeds in each one. Since milkweed seeds need light to germinate, I barely covered them with soil and kept them in a sunny spot on my windowsill. It took a while, but eventually those tiny green shoots emerged, and I felt so proud! Watching those milkweed plants grow was definitely worth the wait.

When to plant milkweed?

The best time to plant milkweed really depends on how you’re doing it. If you’re directly sowing seeds outdoors, fall is ideal. That way, the seeds go through a natural winter chilling period, which helps them germinate come spring. However, I started mine indoors last year, so I planted them in late winter to have young seedlings ready to transplant outdoors after the last frost. Honestly, as long as you avoid the summer heat, milkweed is pretty forgiving. I’ve even seen established plants pop up on their own in the most unexpected places in my yard!

Where to buy milkweed plants?

Finding milkweed plants can be a little tricky depending on your area. Here’s my experience on where to look:

Local Nurseries: This is my top recommendation. Nurseries specializing in native plants are especially likely to carry milkweed. It’s great to support local businesses, and you’ll get expert advice on varieties that thrive in your region.
Garden Centers: Larger garden centers sometimes have a small selection of milkweed, though it might be seasonal.
Online Retailers: If your local options are limited, there are reputable online shops specializing in native plants, including milkweed. Just be sure to factor in shipping costs.
Community Plant Swaps: These are awesome events! You never know what hidden gems you might find, and you can likely score some milkweed from fellow gardeners.

Is milkweed edible?

While milkweed is a vital food source for monarch caterpillars, it’s important to understand that not all parts of the plant are safe for human consumption. Some parts can be toxic if eaten raw. However, with the right knowledge and careful preparation, certain young parts of the milkweed plant CAN be edible. They were even traditionally used by some Native American groups.

I’m not an expert in foraging, and improper preparation can be risky. If you’re genuinely curious about eating milkweed, I strongly recommend these steps:

Do your Research: Thoroughly research which milkweed species are safe and the correct ways to prepare them. Seek out reliable sources like foraging guides and experts.
Positive ID: Learn to identify specific milkweed varieties with absolute certainty.
Start small: Due to individual sensitivities, begin with a tiny, well-prepared portion to test for reactions.

Honestly, while I find milkweed fascinating, I’m perfectly content admiring it and knowing it’s a haven for monarchs!

Do deer eat milkweed?

While milkweed is a valuable food source for monarch butterflies, it’s generally not a favorite snack for deer. Milkweed contains a toxic substance called cardiac glycoside, which makes it distasteful and potentially harmful to most animals.

However, hungry deer can be adaptable. If food is scarce, they might nibble on milkweed, especially the young, tender growth.

To protect your milkweed plants, here are a few options:

Fencing: A physical barrier is the most effective way to deter deer.
Repellents: There are commercial and DIY repellents, but their effectiveness can vary.
Plant Alternatives: Choose other deer-resistant plants to mix in with your milkweed.

Does milkweed spread?

Absolutely! Milkweed is known for its ability to spread, especially common milkweed. While this is fantastic news for monarch butterflies, it can also be a double-edged sword for gardeners. Here’s the deal:

Rhizomes: Milkweed spreads through underground stems called rhizomes. These send up new shoots, expanding the plant’s footprint over time.
Seeds: Those fluffy seed pods we all love? They contain tons of seeds that disperse easily on the wind, leading to new seedlings all over the place.

This spreading nature is one reason milkweed is so valuable in supporting butterfly populations. However, if you want to keep your milkweed contained, you’ll need to be proactive. Consider planting it in a designated wildflower area, in large containers, or be prepared to do some weeding and digging to keep it in check.

How to grow milkweed in pots?

Growing milkweed in pots is a fantastic option, especially if you have limited space or want to control its spread. Here’s my experience with potted milkweed:

Pot Size: Choose a large pot, at least 12-14 inches in diameter. Milkweed develops a deep taproot and needs room to grow.
Soil: Use well-draining potting soil. Milkweed prefers a slightly sandy or loamy mix that doesn’t stay soggy.
Planting: Start from seeds (remembering to stratify for better germination) or purchase young plants from a nursery. Place one plant per pot, giving it space.
Sunlight: Milkweed loves full sun! Find the sunniest spot available, ideally with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Watering: Water regularly when the soil feels dry to the touch, especially during hot weather. But be careful not to overwater, as soggy roots can cause problems.
Bonus: Consider placing potted milkweed near other nectar-rich flowers to create a butterfly haven on your porch or patio!

How to harvest milkweed seeds?

Last year was my first time harvesting milkweed seeds, and it was a surprisingly satisfying experience. Here’s what I learned:

Timing is Key: Wait for the pods to turn brown and dry. An even better sign is if they start to crack open slightly. If they’re still green and plump, the seeds inside won’t be mature yet.
Catch Them Before They Fly: You have a small window of opportunity! Once the pods fully split open, the fluffy seeds will be carried away by the slightest breeze. I learned it’s helpful to tie small mesh bags or cheesecloth around mature pods to prevent losing the seeds.
Gentle Harvest: Carefully remove the pods from the plant. To extract the seeds, gently split the pod along the seam and pull out the fluffy mass attached to the seeds. You can separate the seeds from the fluff later by gently rubbing them together.
Storage Store your harvested seeds in a dry, cool place. I like to use small paper envelopes labeled with the date and plant variety.

How to kill milkweed?

Admittedly, I haven’t personally tried to kill milkweed. It’s such a valuable resource for monarch butterflies that I haven’t had the need. But, if you’re looking to control milkweed in your yard, here are some methods I’ve heard about:

Manual Removal: This is best for young plants or small patches. Try to dig up as much of the root crown (rhizome) as possible. Be aware that milkweed is persistent, and you might need to repeat this process over time.
Mowing: Repeatedly mowing milkweed before it sets seed can weaken the plant over time. Aim to mow every two to three weeks before seedpods form. However, this method is less targeted and might affect other desirable plants.
Herbicides: This is a more drastic approach and should be a last resort. Be sure to choose a herbicide specifically labeled for milkweed control and follow the instructions carefully. Since herbicides can affect other plants and beneficial insects, using them around milkweed is risky.

Alternative Solutions:

Consider the Benefits: Perhaps there’s a way to coexist with the milkweed. Monarchs need it for survival, and it attracts other pollinators too.
Targeted Removal: If milkweed is invading a flower bed, try carefully removing it from that specific area while leaving patches elsewhere in your yard for the butterflies.

Is milkweed poisonous to touch?

Milkweed isn’t generally considered poisonous to touch, but it’s important to be aware that the milky white sap inside the plant can be an irritant. This sap contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic if ingested, but they usually don’t cause harm if they get on your skin.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Skin Irritation: For some people, contact with milkweed sap can cause mild skin reactions like redness, itching, or a rash. This sensitivity can vary from person to person.
Eyes Beware: The biggest concern is getting the sap in your eyes. This can be quite irritating and can cause pain or temporary blurriness.
Precautions: To be safe, it’s always a good idea to wear gloves when handling milkweed, especially if you have sensitive skin. Always wash your hands thoroughly after working with the plant and avoid touching your face and eyes.

If you experience any irritation, wash the affected area with soap and water and monitor the situation.

How to plant milkweed seeds in fall?

Planting milkweed seeds in the fall is a great way to mimic the natural conditions that help these seeds sprout in the spring. Here’s my take on this process:

Timing: The ideal time to plant milkweed seeds in the fall is after the first few frosts but before the ground freezes solid. This allows the seeds to experience winter’s cold temperatures, breaking their dormancy.
Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Milkweed likes it sunny, and good drainage prevents the seeds from rotting over winter.
Prep the Area: Clear away any debris, weeds, or heavy mulch from the planting area. You don’t need to till the soil deeply, just ensure the surface is loose enough for some seed contact.
Planting Technique: Simply scatter the seeds over the prepared soil. You don’t need to bury them deeply, as light helps germination. You can gently rake them in or press them down, so they have good contact with the soil.
Watering & Patience: Give the seeds a good watering after planting. Then, let nature do the rest! Leave the area undisturbed and wait for those baby milkweed plants to emerge in the spring.

Bonus Tip: If you’re worried about losing track of where you planted, mark the area with a simple stake or stones.

How to plant milkweed seeds in spring?

While fall planting mimics nature’s cycle, you can absolutely plant milkweed seeds in the spring! The key is to remember that milkweed seeds benefit from a period of cold, moist conditions (called stratification) to help them germinate. Here’s how to give those seeds an artificial winter:

Cold Stratification: Place your seeds in a damp paper towel and fold it up. Slip the paper towel into a zip-top bag and place the bag in your refrigerator for about 4-6 weeks. This mimics the natural winter chilling. Check periodically to ensure the paper towel stays damp.
Timing: Once the seeds have been stratified, you can plant them in the spring after the last frost.
Planting in Pots Indoors: For a head start, start the seeds indoors. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot filled with seed-starting mix. Keep pots in a sunny window and water lightly to keep the soil moist. Transplant to the garden after they’ve sprouted and grown a few sets of true leaves.
Direct Sowing Outdoors: If you prefer, sow the stratified seeds directly in the ground. Prepare a garden bed, scatter the seeds on the soil surface, and very lightly cover them for good soil contact. Water gently and keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge.

Remember: Milkweed seeds need light to germinate, so don’t bury them too deep!

Is milkweed a weed?

The answer to whether milkweed is a weed is a bit complex. Here’s why:

Depends on Definition: The term “weed” is subjective. Technically, a weed is any plant growing where it’s not wanted. So, if milkweed pops up in your vegetable garden where you don’t want it, it could be considered a weed.
Beneficial Wildflower: Milkweed is a native North American wildflower with important ecological value. It’s ESSENTIAL for monarch butterfly survival, providing the sole food source for their caterpillars. It also attracts other pollinators.
Spreading Nature: Some milkweed varieties, like common milkweed, spread easily through underground roots and wind-blown seeds. This can make it seem invasive in some gardens if not managed.

My Opinion: While milkweed can be tenacious, I don’t consider it a weed in the negative sense. I believe its vital role in the ecosystem outweighs any potential inconvenience for gardeners. With proper planning and a little maintenance, its benefits far outweigh the occasional need to pull a stray seedling.

How to transplant milkweed?

Transplanting milkweed can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely possible with some care! Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience:

Timing is Crucial: The best time to transplant milkweed is in the fall, after the first frost but before the ground freezes solid. This allows the plant to establish some roots before winter and come back strong in the spring.
Choose the Right Milkweed: Not all milkweed species transplant well. Varieties with deep taproots can be difficult to move without damaging the root system. Ask your local nursery for advice on suitable transplant candidates in your area.
Prepare the New Home: Select a sunny location with well-draining soil, mimicking the conditions where the milkweed is currently thriving. Dig a new planting hole significantly larger than the existing root ball.
Careful Excavation: Here comes the delicate part. Gently loosen the soil around the milkweed you want to move. Try to dig as wide and deep as possible to capture as much of the root system as you can. Use a shovel or a garden fork carefully, especially near the taproot.
Minimize Root Shock: Once you’ve loosened the soil and lifted the plant, try to keep the root ball intact as much as possible. Brush away any loose soil but avoid disturbing the roots themselves.
New Home, New Care: Place the milkweed in the prepared hole, ensuring it sits at the same depth it was in its previous location. Backfill the hole with the dug-up soil and water thoroughly.
Post-Transplant TLC: Keep the transplanted milkweed well-watered, especially during the first few weeks or until it establishes itself. You might also want to consider adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Be Patient: Transplanting can be stressful for any plant, so be patient with your milkweed. It might take some time for it to fully recover and resume growth.

Do rabbits eat milkweed?

While milkweed isn’t typically a rabbit’s first choice, there are instances where they might nibble on it, especially when other food sources are scarce. Here’s why:

Defense Mechanism: Milkweed produces a milky sap containing cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to many animals if consumed in significant amounts. This sap makes the plant less appealing to most herbivores.
Hungry Bunnies: Rabbits are resourceful, and if they’re desperate enough, they might try a bite or two of milkweed, especially the younger and more tender shoots.
Individual Variation: Some rabbits might be more tolerant of the milkweed toxins than others, depending on their individual sensitivity.

Overall, it’s best to consider milkweed as somewhat rabbit-resistant, not rabbit-proof. If you’re trying to protect your milkweed from rabbits, here are some options:

Fencing: A physical barrier is the most reliable way to deter rabbits.
Repellents: There are commercial and DIY repellants you can try, but their effectiveness can vary.
Alternative Plants: Plant other attractive, rabbit-friendly plants to draw them away from your milkweed.

Can milkweed grow in shade?

While most milkweed species thrive in full sun, there are a few varieties that tolerate and even prefer partial shade. Here’s the breakdown:

Sun-loving Majority: Most popular milkweed species, like common milkweed, swamp milkweed, and butterfly weed, need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best growth and flowering.
Shade Tolerant Options: Here are a few shade-loving milkweeds:
- Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata): This species thrives in dappled shade or woodland edges.
- Fourleaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia): This variety can handle full shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens.
- Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens): This milkweed tolerates partial shade conditions.
Important Note: Even shade-tolerant milkweeds may produce fewer flowers and grow a bit leggier in shadier conditions.

Tips:

Research: Always check which specific milkweed varieties are well-suited to your region and light conditions.
Local Nurseries: Your local native plant nursery is a fantastic resource for getting information on milkweed varieties that will thrive in your specific area.

Will vinegar kill milkweed?

Vinegar can be somewhat effective at killing young milkweed plants, but it’s not the most reliable method and has some drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know:

Limited Effectiveness: Vinegar primarily works through dehydration. While it can kill young, tender milkweed seedlings, it’s not strong enough to completely eradicate established milkweed plants with well-developed root systems.
Multiple Applications Needed: You’ll likely need to apply vinegar repeatedly over time, especially on more mature plants, to see any significant impact.
Non-discriminatory: Vinegar spray can harm desirable plants surrounding your milkweed.
Environmental Concerns: Repeated vinegar use can alter soil pH and potentially harm beneficial insects in your garden.

Alternative Solutions:

Manual Removal: If you have a small patch of young milkweed, carefully hand-pulling them out might be the most effective and environmentally friendly solution.
Spot Treatment: For more targeted control, consider using a commercially available herbicide specifically formulated for milkweed control. Always follow the application instructions carefully and be mindful of nearby plants.
Consider Coexistence: Milkweed is vital for monarch butterflies, so if you only have a few scattered plants, perhaps consider letting them be and enjoy the ecological benefit they provide.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you choose to use vinegar, be aware of its limitations and potential downsides. There might be more targeted and eco-friendly options available for your specific situation.

Can chickens eat milkweed?

Unfortunately, no, chickens cannot eat milkweed. Milkweed contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to chickens. All parts of the plant – the leaves, stems, flowers, and milky sap – pose a danger if consumed.

Symptoms of milkweed poisoning in chickens can include:

Weakness and lethargy
Difficulty breathing
Diarrhea
Tremors
Seizures
In severe cases, it may even lead to death

If you suspect your chickens have eaten milkweed, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment options.

It’s best to ensure your chickens don’t have access to milkweed and always double-check any new plants you introduce to their environment for safety.

Do bees like milkweed?

Absolutely! Bees love milkweed. In fact, milkweed is considered an important nectar source for many bee species. Here’s why it’s such a bee magnet:

Abundant Nectar: Milkweed flowers produce a generous amount of sweet nectar, which is the primary energy source for bees. The flower’s structure is easily accessible, making it perfect for various bee species, big and small.
Fragrant Blooms: Many milkweed varieties have a delightful fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators.
Long Bloom Time: Depending on the species, milkweed can bloom for several weeks or even months, providing a consistent food source for bees throughout the season.
Native Plant Power: Milkweed is a native plant in North America, meaning it has co-evolved with native bee species over a long time. This leads to a perfect match between the flower’s design and the needs of many bee species.

While bees adore the nectar, they don’t eat the pollen like they do with other flowers. However, milkweed’s important role in the ecosystem makes it a valuable plant despite this!

Do hummingbirds like milkweed?

Yes, hummingbirds do like milkweed! While not their primary food source, they are attracted to the sweet nectar these flowers provide. Here’s why:

Sweet Treat: Milkweed flowers have a high nectar content, offering a quick energy boost for these tiny birds.
Long Tongues: Hummingbirds’ long tongues are perfectly adapted for sipping nectar from tubular-shaped flowers, including many milkweed varieties.
Opportunistic Feeders: Hummingbirds don’t have a single favorite flower. They visit a wide variety of nectar-rich blooms, so they’ll happily include milkweed in their “flower buffet”.
Beyond Nectar: While hummingbirds mainly focus on the milkweed’s nectar, they can also occasionally catch small insects that visit the flowers.

However, it’s important to remember that milkweed is primarily a significant food source for monarch butterflies. It’s always best to plant a variety of hummingbird-friendly flowers to offer a diverse selection of nectar sources and ensure these amazing birds thrive!