Do your part to support declining monarch butterfly stroke population by planting these free milkweed seeds .
Monarch butterfly stroke are a electrifying sight with their immense , enchant black and orange wings . But the aboriginal North and South American insects are n’t just fascinating to look at ; they ’re alsoimportant pollinators for fruit and flowers . Monarch butterflies are also a primal food seed in the ecosystem and an index of environmental wellness . In fact , in December 2024 , the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed protection for the iconic butterflies and suggested listing the coinage as threaten under the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) .
One of the most effectual way to serve monarchsin your own backyardis to plant milkweed , a low - maintenance and indispensable host plant for these iconic butterfly stroke . Here ’s how you’re able to see costless milkweed seeds , plus some tips on how to get begin mature milkweed for monarchs .
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Why is milkweed important to monarchs?
Milkweed is a perennial prime aboriginal to North America that thrives in many ecosystem . This plant is essential to the life cycle of monarch butterfly because the insects need milkweed to lay their eggs . When the eggs hatch , milkweed is the only plant the whitened , black , and lily-livered - ransack caterpillars will wipe out . This make it of the essence for helping the next genesis of monarchs develop and dream up each season .
Sadly , due to urban growing and agrarian modification , the easterly migratory population of monarch butterflies correct by more or less 80 % between the 1980s and 2024.Also , harmonize to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports , the western population saw an even more drastic step-down — over 95 % during the same period . By planting silkweed , nurseryman everywhere ( especially along fostering and migration itinerary ) can avail keep going sovereign rearing and migration .
How to Get Free Milkweed Seeds
To address the butterfly stroke blight , some organizations are put up free milkweed semen to anyone who wishes to help . community of interests mathematical group , local native plant societies , and some state - level preservation agencies extend detached milkweed seeds to gardeners , students , and enthusiast hop-skip to support the conservation of butterflies and their home ground . Some noteworthy organizations that send free seeds includeLive Monarch , Monarch Watch , andLittle Wings .
Live Monarch
springy Monarch has been aid to increase monarch butterfly population since 2003 . According to their mission , their Plant a Seed Program is intended for students , educators , and those in need — and the need is great . So , they enquire that if you may yield to buy the milkweed seeds , to do so . To get free seed , post a self - addressed , stamped gasbag to the address listed on theirseed asking page . You ’ll obtain 15 or more milkweed seed for your neighborhood . Due to the organization ’s popularity and increased need , however , receiving the seeds takes approximately 2 to 4 week .
Monarch Watch
Monarch Watch offersfree milkweed chew for habitat restoration projects . You must have two acres or 1/4 of an acre in California to participate . A few places are n’t eligible to take part in this political platform , including Canada , South Carolina , Arkansas , Alabama , Georgia , Louisiana , Mississippi , Florida , and part of Texas and North Carolina . To lend oneself , applicants must partake their Edwin Herbert Land management design . If select ( either mid - February or mid - March , calculate on the region ) , you ’ll cut across the shipping , and the flora will arrive as soon as they are mature enough for transferral . The monetary value for shipping is low ( about 20 to 40 cents per works ) .
Little Wings
Little Wings alsoprovides free milkweed seeds through its website . presently , they tender unwashed milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca ) , a versatile kind that should grow in many regions . Once you pilot to the site , click the " impart to drag " clit on the usable semen . After your loose milkweed cum are in the handcart , add up your transportation info . Your milkweed seeded player should get in 1 - 2 weeks , and you’re able to start up planting .
Adrienne Legault / BHG
Common Milkweed Varieties
There are over 70 eccentric of native milkweed ( Asclepiasspp . ) throughout the United States . When planting milkweed , seek to detect a suitable variety for your location . This mode , you do n’t meet issues with seasonality , weather conditions , or winter hardiness .
Best Milkweed Varieties for the Northeast
Best Milkweed Varieties for the Southeast
Best Milkweed Varieties for the Midwest
Best Milkweed Varieties for the South
Best Milkweed Varieties for the Northwest
Best Milkweed Varieties for California
How to Plant Milkweed Seeds
If you get milkweed seed for your garden , you may establish them in natural spring or fall . strewing the germ outdoors where you want them to grow in the declivity . They wo n’t sprout until they ’ve been disclose to freezing temperature . Once spring comes , the seeds will be ready to start growing . They may not bloom the first yr , but they ’ll still have leaves for crowned head caterpillar .
To embed milkweed seed in leap , set out them indoors in late winter or other fountain . You ’ll demand tostratify your seeds , meaning expose them to cold temperature for a period of time before they ’ll sprout . One method acting of stratifying milkweed seeds is to place them on a moist paper towel in a plastic baggie . impart the baggie in the fridge for 6 - 8 weeks , then sow the source in little sess . Once your seedlings have a few sets of farewell , harden them off and transfer them outsideafter the last sign of frost in your region .
The monarch butterfly universe wo n’t recover overnight , but gardener across the country can help just by include a few milkweed flora in their 1000 . In summation to milkweed , adult monarchs love nectar - rich plants likelantana , rudbeckia , andyarrow . These unfolding plants make it slow tobeautify your gardenandhelp monarch butterflies .
Credit:Adrienne Legault / BHG
Frequently Asked Questions
As a aboriginal North American plant life , milkweed is not considered invasive but can grow sharply in the correct atmospheric condition . If you are implicated about deal its spread , look at growing it in a container or confined spot .
Milkweed is a sturdy perennial that needs little care but a lot of temperateness . Look for a cheery daub with well - drain soil that wo n’t be raise up by pesticides .
Yes . It ’s best to edit out milkweed back in the late fall or other winter after the industrial plant has produced seed cod and the pod have had time to age .
Credit:Adrienne Legault / BHG
Monarch butterfly stroke propose for endangered species act protection| U. S. Fish & wildlife help .
Milkweed for Monarchs - Native Plant Habitats . National Wildlife Federation .
