Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosais a sun-loving milkweed species with fiery orange blooms. Nectar-rich, they support monarchs and other insects that contribute to the garden ecosystem.

• When to sow: Late fall, winter, or early spring outdoors to benefit from natural cold stratification. Indoors, start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before spring's final frost.
• Light: Full sun (6+ hours).
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates lean, dry soils once established.
• Water: Keep evenly moist for germination; drought-tolerant once established.
• Depth: Press seeds lighlty onto the soil surface; they need light exposure to germinate.
• Spacing: 18–24" apart.

To boost germination for indoor or late-season sowing, chill seeds in moist media for 30–45 days before planting (cold stratification).

Butterfly weed is a staple pollinator plant across the Southeast, providing essential habitat for migrating monarchs and their caterpillars. Hollow stems offer nesting sites for overwintering insects. Let it reseed naturally at season's end for more blooms and butterflies.

• Height: 1–3 feet.
• Bloom window: Early–mid summer.
• Wildlife: Host plant for monarch caterpillars; nectar for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Habit: Upright, compact, clumping perennial.
• Best uses: Perennial borders, meadows, pollinator gardens, water-wise landscapes.

Avoid disturbing established plants; milkweed's deep taproots are best left in place.