Complete Guide to Butterfly Weed - Grow and Care, Asclepias tuberosa

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This is a comprehensive video on how to Grow Butterfly Weed. Topics covered include:
- What is Butterfly Weed?
- Benefits of Butterfly Weed
- Butterflyweed growing conditions and care
- How to germinate Butterfly Weed Seed
- Wildlife attracted to Butterfly Weed
- Garden Uses of Butterfly Weed.
Butterfly Weed is a wildflower native to North America that looks great in a formal manicured flowerbed, or a wildflower garden / meadow. Butterfly Weed is almost irresistible to pollinators as well as a larval host for the Monarch Butterfly. Scientifically known as Asclepias Tuberosa, we will lay out a case as to why you need to grow Butterfly Weed!
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[@shirleyandrews1152]

Fun fact: in the early days in America the women made lovely little capes by sewing EACH seed onto the fabric making a fluffy fur-like garment. I saw one in a museum. Those women had patience😻.

[@growitbuildit]

Wow - what museum was that? I would like to see that.

[@carmencortelyou9463]

I’ve grown butterfly weed for twenty years and it’s one of my favorites! It tolerates drought but does not like to be mulched - mulch will kill it, so keep it away from this plant and it’ll be fine. Also, if you pick the blooms, or deadhead, it will bloom a second time - you can still get seeds from the second blooming if your season is long enough. One more thing I learned is this: Even if monarch larvae eat most of the plant in the spring, it will regrow!

[@growitbuildit]

You are absolutely right on mulch - lots of natives need a gap between mulch and stalks. I've learned that the hard way. Thank you for sharing your experience- 20 years of knowledge and observations are valuable

[@pennygreenler4351]

good to know!!

[@moisesm9602]

So would it grow in a desert 🤔

[@kitty4tify]

I mulched in April and my plant is hardly growing. Thanks for this info. I will remove the mulch.

[@carmencortelyou9463]

@Jason 333 Asclepius tuberosa, known also as butterfly weed, doesn’t get anywhere near that tall.

[@shirleyandrews1152]

My B’weed is still blooming‼️my house (my town) was burned to the ground in the 2018 Camp Fire in CA. For almost 5 yrs the milkweed & 1 Salvia have come back every spring. There is NO WATER available yet. When I finally get my house rebuilt I’m planting LOTS of milkweed‼️THANK YOU for you great program & info.😻

[@growitbuildit]

That is great that it is still blooming. This has been a strange summer - I even have some blooming too! Good luck!

[@prismatica8416]

I love how literally all my favorite flowers are natives.

[@growitbuildit]

That is a good set of favorites!

[@threeriversforge1997]

One thing I've found to really help seeds grow and do well is to inoculate the potting soil you buy from a store with a cup of soil from your home. The ground that you have around the house is chock full of microbial life that you won't find in store-bought potting soil. So.... add a cup of your dirt to the potting soil and store it away just like you always would. This way, when your seeds can immediately start building a relationship with the microbial life, something folks don't often think about. A lot of the reason for the stunting seen in plants that go from potting tray to open ground is just them having to take time and try building the relationship between the root and the new-to-them soil biome. Also, with tap roots, I've found it very beneficial to use a 12" masonry drill bit to drive a hole deep into the ground. Those little plants only have so much energy, so if they have to expend it trying to burrow down through the ground and establish themselves solidly.... that's less energy they have to make growth above ground and flower. Just like people, the less work we do, the more weight we'll put on. 😁

[@growitbuildit]

That is an interesting suggestion on the handful of soil. I may have to try that. It makes sense, so I thank you. I've done something similar in the past in regards to the masonry bit. I've pounded rebar down and then removed again to break up the compacted rocky/sandy loam.

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@growitbuildit Have you ever tried growing A.tuberosa from a cutting? I just tried and it didn't work, but I'm not sure what I might have done wrong. Fresh cut, from a wild plant in bloom, I put it in a vase of water to see if roots buds would develop. For a few days, it looked great and the leaves remained green and supple. Unfortunately, no rootlets appeared. Figuring that might have been too much water for a plant that likes austere conditions, I potted it and made sure the soil was moist. I had hoped that maybe the presence of dirt would stimulate a little root development, but nope. As the blooms slowly faded, the leaves yellowed and wilted. Maybe some rooting compound is necessary?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi, I've never tried this plant from a cutting

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@growitbuildit Nuts. Both my cuttings died so maybe it's just not possible.

[@aileenc7390]

I am amazed with all the factual, consice information of the videos!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Aileen!

[@B30pt87]

What an uplifting video! Very informative. I am going to plant this at the top of my tallest hill where the butterflies can easily see it. Thank you very much for showcasing this beautiful plant.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! Good luck getting started with Butterflyweed - it's a great flower!

[@skaughtsman]

I saw this in the wild in Northern Utah, took a photo, and that led me to this video. Very cool. I'd like to grow this in my yard.

[@growitbuildit]

It is a wonderful plant. I love having them around.

[@bluebowser3121]

I bet this plant would look amazing paired up with blue cornflowers.

[@sandrarichardson2713]

Just bought some seed today and came online to find some guidelines in growing it. This is a superb video and comments are exceptional. Thanks for your help. Good camera work. Jesus bless.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Sandra! Good luck!

[@BayouChicGardening]

I grow this plant. It definitely attracts butterflies.

[@lillypod1337]

I grow it next to Veronica and everything is completely ignoring the Butterfly Weed, lol. Also, Anise Hyssop will suck all the pollinators straight off your Butterfly Weed as well.

[@klorraine1952]

I just rescued a chrysalis that was attached to a tomato in my garden. The tomato plant was beside some butterfly weed. The Monarch emerged in 3 days in my screened porch! So fascinating to observe! 🧡

[@growitbuildit]

That is awesome Karen - cool.

[@rethablair6902]

💛Lucky u. I used to raise monarch butterflies🦋

[@ewynkoopinWi]

I agree with you. The butterfly weed is perfect in so many ways. I love finding the volunteer seedlings in the spring and relocating them around my yard or sharing them with friends and family. The color is magnificent! Thanks for the video.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Ellen - Butterfly Weed is probably my favorite of all the Milkweeds.

[@akaRadar]

if ever you have extra, i would pay shipping if you’d be willing to share seeds or seedlings! hoping to fill my 2 acres with monarch saving beauties! But need help getting my started.. appreciate your post & this helpful video too! 💗

[@reeintili6927]

How doesn't this dude have more subs?!!!?

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! Share share share!!!

[@jeniferwall2444]

I thought the same thing! Really great, organized information!

[@eyeYQ2]

I just subbed, so it's one more... ; )

[@DamnImWounded]

Those bees look so cool flying

[@growitbuildit]

It is awesome watching them

[@Joseph-ww3zr]

Packed with info. Just how I like it

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - I aim to please!

[@gwennvorsaga3576]

Six dislikes how could this be.? Crazy people.... I have been watching so many videos on this subject recently as I am getting onboard with raising monarchs and this channel is by far hands down the absolute best most informative channel I have found! I am So glad I found you! You have saved me so much time on this endeavor. Thank you for this wonderful information and your wonderful channel. A new subscriber forever. Thank You

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Gwenn! I'm very happy you like the videos I make! I'll try to keep them coming. And I really appreciate your comment - it is very nice to hear!

[@helenpatterson3858]

They probably were meaning to hit like but the screen is small and they have fat fingers.

[@dictationdubstep]

Saw a comment on the bottom about how this is not a good flower for monarch larva. That the pink and purple flower species are good and the orange/red ones bad.

[@OWK000]

I have wondered about the down thumb clicks before: I think the fat finger or parkinsons, MS type excuse is relevent and then there are just trolls going around being pests for the heck of it or maybe there are folks that actually think they can skew the alogorithyms.

[@growitbuildit]

@DireNova - this specific species, Asclepias Tuberosa is good for Monarchs. It is native to North America. There is no red on the blooms. The one that is red/orange is Asclepias curivassa, a totally different species (and it can harbor a parasite that harms Monarch larvae).

[@george200099]

This is easily one of the top 3 gardening channels on KZbin!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you sir!

[@flatsville1]

Underrated channel so far.

[@suesci]

Thank you for all of this information but especially for your method of removing the seed floss when opening the pods.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Sue!

[@rexmonarch2]

I moved to Port Charlotte Florida in August 2021 and I immediately started tearing out the backyard lawn and planting butterfly, bee and bird friendly plants. One of the first plants I put in the yard is butterfly weed. As the seed pods have ripened I have sowed the seeds all over the yard and I have had wild and crazy germination and growth of butterfly weed. Also, I sow zinnias, marigolds, black eyed susans and sunflowers in with the butterly weed patches spread out though the yard. And right now I have porterweed, fennel, coneflower and augustache growing under lights to add to the pollinator mix in the yard.

[@growitbuildit]

Sounds like you've got an amazing backyard pollinator oasis Gerry!

[@rexmonarch2]

@@growitbuildit Wasps are killing all the caterpillars that have hatched. They patrol all the plants in the yard top to bottom. Do wasp traps work?

[@growitbuildit]

Sorry Gerry, I've never used them.

[@rexmonarch2]

@@growitbuildit I'm gonna make homemade traps and place them throughout the yard. It's basically a deathtrap out there for caterpillars with all the necter and host plants.

[@bluebowser3121]

I like how thorough you are when you make videos about these plant species. I had to subscribe. I don't live in the US, I'm from the UK. I enjoy learning about these native American species.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I really appreciate your comment. I'll try to keep things interesting!

[@justinfilipovic8939]

Are there many monarch butterflies fluttering around in The U.K.? There are quite A few fluttering around where I live in Australia and I'm just about to plant some milkweed to see even more of them around

[@bluebowser3121]

@@justinfilipovic8939 There are sometimes Monarch butterflies in the UK that are swept in by storms, but they never survive our winter. I've never seen one.

[@growitbuildit]

I don't think they are in th UK. They migrate every year through North America, from Mexico to Canada.

[@justinfilipovic8939]

@@growitbuildit I know they aren't native to anywhere else than North America but they have been introduced to other places I see them here in Australia in fact we have our own unique word for them we call them wanderer butterflies

[@suziperret468]

Thanks…” more flowers than vegetables.”Yeah, I grew vegetables last year, but everything attacked them, so I switched it up and started concentrating on Monarch Butterflies…It worked out beautifully. This year I’m doing nectar flowers for them and more milkweed…and again , more beautiful as the garden takes form and unfolds…

[@growitbuildit]

That is a worthy cause - and the Monarchs certainly appreciate your efforts!

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

I bought 1 plant 2 years ago. This makes my 3rd year. It said i needed 4 plants to attract Monarch Butterflies. Guess what, Monarchs catapillares striped the leaves, butterflies were everywhere. 4 came up 2nd year, Monarchs came again. I'm excited to see how many plant's come up this spring, they just self seed . Absolutely love this plant. I live in northeastern Oklahoma.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Judy - I've had tons of Milkweed Beetles on mine the last year or two. The Monarchs have been attacking another species, Whorled Milkweed in a different part of my yard. I have no issue with that though, as that is why I grow them. Butterfly weed is probably my favorite though.

[@aces.9738]

I like this plant. I've had good and bad luck with it. But I always called it "butterfly bush." I didn't know there was a difference.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Ace - there is a big difference when it comes to ecological value, as this one will feed a lot of insects in addition to being a nectar and pollen source. But keep at it, as when I have had problems it is usually due to water drainage.

[@chrissyt2342]

I’m in the process of cold stratification of all my milkweed varieties so this def helped me!!!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent. I'm glad you found it helpful Chrissy!

[@MsBenzthere]

This is excellent info. So glad I found you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Jan!

[@annewhittemore5554]

We LOVE butterfly weed, and grow in our yard. I want to put in more, because I like native plants and attracting bees & monarchs.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Anne - I couldn't agree more. It's a great plant.

[@shirleyk623]

I have an indoor and outdoor butterfly enclosure. I raise monarch (inside) and swallowtail butterflies (outside). I bring plants to the caterpillars in the enclosures, feed them. They chrysalis and emerge as butterflies all in about a month. I've had over 2400 monarch caterpillars over 4 years. Over 300 Swallowtail butterflies over the past 2 years. Not all survive. I'd guess about 85 percent do. This is my hobby, while I try to help our pollinators population increase. It's very gratifying to see them emerge and release them. Thanks for this video.

[@growitbuildit]

You're welcome. Keep up the good work yourself!

[@vanessarivas5681]

Great video!!! My potted milkweeds recently died after about 3 years. I loved their flowers too! Aphids were a constant issue. 😣 I used to pinch the aphids off by hand, later on I used neem oil and towards the end I also a tried a homemade recipe with dawn dish soap. I tried to bring them indoors as a final attempt to protect them and keep them alive but they needed the sun. I did purchase seeds recently and I’m happy to know you were able germinate them without stratification. I I love your garden it is so pretty! God bless!

[@growitbuildit]

Aphids are a yearly battle. This year I'm mainly having red aphids on my Heliopsis. Anymore I just squish them, as you did or do nothing. I'm still getting flowers without doing anything. I've found that no matter what I do, (lady bugs, squish, hose...) there are always more aphids. Thank you for the kind words - our little wildflower area is really great. Everything is exploding right now.

[@juneramirez8580]

Vanessa just remember anything you put on your plant to kill aphids is also detrimental to the monarchs. I squish and then gently hose the plants not to dislodge any Monarch eggs or caterpillars on the leaves! Best of luck to you! We are all helping the populations of monarchs with our butterfly gardens.

[@elyserhyne243]

I released native lady bugs for years. They leave but after a few years they come back. I've definitely seen a higher amount of ladybugs the past few years. Really helped the aphid issue. Try to avoid spraying if you can, because it'll hurt the monarchs too

[@pinlegouchin8493]

This is the first video that I’ve found that really teaches. Luv the lesson. I’ve been trying to start a butterfly garden for the past 2 or so yrs

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm happy you appreciate the time/effort! I'll be putting out more videos as time goes on!

[@KarenHobart]

Love this how do I subscribe to your Chanel?

[@growitbuildit]

There should be a red button somewhere in the lower right part of the screen that says "subscribe "

[@pierredelafrance4962]

Thank you I have a swamp milkweed ,a phlox and a butterfly weed .

[@lavedamalu2161]

What a fabulous video you have created. I grow the beautiful plant in my garden, and yes, it takes a good three years to mature and get to a lovely size. I had no idea that I could use those seed pods to create another plant because I bought mine as a Tuber. Everybody that visits my garden, "wants a cutting" and I tell them it does not grow from "cuttings"...Now I will be able to share my beautiful Butterfly Weed plant with everyone that wants them. I will also give them a link to your video creation. Thank you for posting this!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent! I'm happy you enjoyed the video, and now plan to spread the plant by growing more to share with your friends!

[@lavedamalu2161]

@@growitbuildit Sir, the information you gave in this most excellent video is far above and beyond anything I have been able to find on this fabulous little plant which fulfills absolutely everything a Gardener could want. Again, thank you for your fine production!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you again. Most of my plant profiles are like this. You may find some other interesting flowers on my channel

[@MambaChicka]

Helpful information presented in a coherent order - perfect. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Jess!

[@soniatriana9091]

Thank you for sharing all this awesome information!! Great pictures!! Very helpful!! I hope everyone goes this plant - bc it’s amazing to see so many beautiful butterflies in my garden, as they feed & lay their eggs. Then, it’s so incredibly crazy go see all the caterpillars!! Adults & kids are all equally fascinated by this entire butterfly process!!

[@growitbuildit]

This is probably the best milkweed to have in a garden setting for sure. It checks many boxes. Pretty, not too big, not aggressive, brings in wildlife.

[@elyserhyne243]

I grow a lot of these for monarchs. It took 3 years, then I got a few caterpillars. The year after I got so many caterpillars! It's like they told their friends about my garden. Wait for them. They’ll come. Just keep growing them in big quantities and the butterflies will find you.

[@growitbuildit]

That is awesome - I love hearing success stories.

[@candypodratz]

I got free Butterfly Weed seeds with my last Baker Creek order. I am a vegetable gardener, so know nothing about it. You answered all my questions. Thx!

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Candy. Good luck!

[@ludokerfluffle6232]

I got some seed this year. My mom laughed. "Thats a milk weed. 🤣 you paid for free weeds." I definitely planted them in wrong place. No direct sun. So small. Relocating now.

[@growitbuildit]

Sounds good. Hopefully the taproot is small. That is the sensitive part when transplanting.

[@WarmFuzzyVibes]

Well, you can brag to your mom when the plants bloom and look stunning!

[@hotarutomoe4697]

This was the best guide to growing milkweed! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Hotaru! I really appreciate it.

[@rebeccacook6285]

I love how you did this video. Very good information. Thank you

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much - I'm happy you enjoyed it

[@michaeljonesdougherty.209]

Butterfly weed ❤milk weed I've been growing this for 4 years next to my lime lites this year I ordered 6 different types of milk weeds can't wait to plant for my butterfly 🦋 🐝 friend's

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - grow as much as you can!

[@lobstermania4025]

Just planted mine after leaving them in the frig for 2 months. I have a few sprouted a few weeks ago and I'm hoping they work out. Such a beautiful plant. Thank you young man!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! It is an excellent flower.

[@carolberridge6102]

Thanks for the introduction to this lovely plant. And your explanation was clear and thorough. All the best!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Carol! I'm happy you found it useful

[@veleriasingletary3556]

Thank you for sharing. I like you teaching method for each plant you discuss. You voice is very easy on the ears.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Veleria! I'm glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@mrkengage]

Super-kewl! Great video!!

[@conniegriner1847]

As always, great information, Joe! I’ve got butterfly weed in my winter sowing jugs, and I’m excited to see what happens.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Connie! You're going to love Butterfly Weed! It is a really cool flower.

[@Exposetheluciferianagenda]

I have most of them, my favorite is the spider Asclepias.

[@matthennemann9769]

The most scientifically informed guy in the gardening world

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Good job on this video!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!

[@nashvlbees]

Great Video! Didn't know it is in the milkweed family. I started growing common milkweed a few years ago and the Monarch's have returned in bunches. I have a couple of butterfly weed plants. It's their 2nd year and I'm hoping and expecting the plants to be bigger and brighter this year. Thanks for the video!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome. You should get some blooms this year. Mine just emerged the other day (a month after everything else).

[@Irishjay-gu5pb]

Great, concise information!! Thanks! I really love the orange Milkweed too, but I was wondering how to plant the seeds I collected last year. So thank you very much! :) I too am trying my best to help the Monarch, I have seen my farm get more and more butterflies each year, which is so exciting!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! Glad you found the video helpful. Orange Butterfly Weed is just eye-catching. I wish I found it in the wild more often. I mostly sea Common and Swamp Milkweed over here.

[@heartsfiregarden6352]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome!

[@dianthas3498]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Diane!

[@LisaSaffell]

I leave my aphids, they are like candy for my Goldfinch who take care of them pretty quickly!

[@growitbuildit]

My finches don't seem to like the aphids on my plants. At least I have not seen them eat any.

[@juneramirez8580]

Unfortunately I don't have any birds in the low desert of Arizona eating the aphids off of my milkweeds. So I have to intervene

[@margaretmarshall3645]

I planted one I bought from Home Depot in a one-gallon pot size. The desert cottontails are leaving it strictly alone, so it goes in the important category of “flowers I can grow without putting a cage around them.” Geraniums, Osteospermum daisies, autumn sage, and lavender are the others I have discovered so far, here in Southern California USDA zone 8b.

[@growitbuildit]

You are lucky then - I've found rabbits out in PA will go for tender shoots on this one.

[@davidfriend1919]

@@growitbuildit isn't it toxic ?

[@davidfriend1919]

rabbits leave it alone because it is bitter and toxic ...

[@growitbuildit]

In my experience even toxic plants are browsed when young. Probably the chemical composition n texture changes as they age

[@MairIsabell]

Very helpful thank you! Glad I found your channel

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome! I'm glad you find it helpful. Your channel name is awesome too.

[@kslolohoku2665]

Thank you for this video!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - I'm happy you enjoyed it!

[@vojaro5669]

You were very informative … thank you. We’re starting a butterfly garden this year in hopes of helping as many monarchs and other butterflies, bees, etc.. You presented valuable information in a very thorough way so that will help a lot. Thanks again.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Vo! I'm very happy you enjoyed and found my video helpful.

[@skinz4q]

I have these growing naturally in my yard, and it's my favorite of all the wild flowers. They're in with a field of monarda, so the effect is spectacular. They're multiplied in many areas, mostly full sun and very dry.

[@growitbuildit]

Sounds like a perfect mix.

[@catherinetrinh3260]

I have watched several of your native (in my area) flowers and have a question. Soon I will remove the wild raspberry plants from the ditch area in front of my rural property. Will wild flowers prevent erosion? My county sells an acre of seeds for a low cost and I hope that this will serve the dual purpose of beauty, wild life attraction, and erosion prevention.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Catherine, a natural meadow will prevent erosion. The soil structure built up with roots will allow for better infiltration of water.

[@catherinetrinh3260]

@@growitbuildit Thank you! I will now confidently follow through with my plan.

[@growitbuildit]

You're welcome Catherine. I would assume the county's seed mix would include some taller grass as well? If not, you should include some like little bluestem, side oats garama,, or something similar.

[@yolaa23]

Very informative, thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Yola. I'm glad you liked it

[@michelleguelfi3460]

Thanks for the great info!!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Michelle!

[@courtneyshackelford4888]

Thank you! I’m planning a pollinator garden this year, and keep coming back to your channel for info! I appreciate you for sharing what you know. What zone do you live in?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Courtney - I'm glad you are finding our info helpful. I'm in zone 6b, Southern Pennsylvania. If you are planning a pollinator garden, there are a few resources we have at our website that you may find helpful. We have a large article detailing how to make a pollinator wildflower garden. It has some sample designs that have good mixes of flowers that should keep continuous (or near continuous) blooms through the season. growitbuildit.com/how-to-make-a-micro-prairie/ And we have a complete list of plants that we've written up in detail. Lots of these will become videos at some point. I have footage for most but it just takes a lot of time to compile into a decent video. But, we generally have detailed germination instructions, grow and care - etc. growitbuildit.com/complete-native-plant-listing/ Hope you find these useful! Joe

[@courtneyshackelford4888]

Thank you! I’ll definitely use these resources!

[@adamgelbart5708]

Asclepias is such a cool genus. I also like that you're using a native milkweed, so many people just go for the tropical (A. curassavica) because it's easy to find, at least in my case in Los Angeles. Your collection technique is really cool. I've seen people tie little sachets (like the kind of thing you'd get a potpourri in) around the seed pod, can't wait to try it out and see what works best!

[@growitbuildit]

Thanks Adam - it's amazing how many different milkweeds there are. Growing up as a kid I only knew of Common Milkweed that is so prolific in the ditches in the Eastern half of the country. I should have about 5 species going in my garden now. Good luck!

[@spankynater4242]

I tried tying twisties around my pods once, but it did zero good, the pods just opened up around it and my seeds flew away. I hope some of them made it.

[@JulieNedumgottil]

Great video!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Julie! I'm glad you liked it!

[@jagdeepbains2186]

Very informative. Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome!

[@jenevans9004]

It’s one of my favorite plants. I just bought my first home and put two in the front. I doubt I’ll get blooms this year but I’m so excited for the years to come. Thank you so much for sharing this info!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Jen. Glad you liked it!

[@thomashurley6791]

Here in Naples, Florida, the only plant that I have been able to buy is Asclepias curassavica which is referred to as a tropical variety in the comments below. My problem is that the caterpillars eat the leaves faster than I can grow them. I recently released 15 butterflies from chrysalises. One died because I did not noticed that it dropped from the empty chrysalis before the wings had dried. I currently have 11 chrysalises on the lanai, may have more as they are really good as getting off of my plants, out of my pots, and traveling all over the lanai. I should have 11 more monarch butterflies in about a week. Thanks for your information.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Thomas, the only answer I can give you is to grow more Milkweed. Raising Monarchs probably increases their survival rate in regards to predators. But it sounds like this may be causing you a different problem with scarcity of the leaves.

[@jeffmartin693]

Very Very good vid! Im impressed!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Jeff!

[@bonniecarlstrom6014]

Super! Energized!!!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck Bonnie! You're going to love this flower.

[@Ro_Beardski]

Very informative. I direct sowed some swamp milkweed back in December hoping some will sprout this spring. I’m definitely going to get a pack of seeds for butterfly weed and try sowing indoors. Keep up the good work. Love your videos!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you RC! I'm glad you liked it. You are going to love Butterfly Weed. And the more species of milkweed, the more "full of life" your garden will be.

[@myklconjuay3637]

I'm impressed with your video. Here in Florida we have 4 or 5 varieties of native milkweed, but tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is usually the only one available through nurseries. It is best to cut tropical to the ground once throughout the growing season, as it has been linked to Ophryocystis elektroscirrha- a very serious problem in monarchs.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! That's too bad that they only sell tropical milkweed. I've seen Butterfly Weed up here a few times. But no milkweed is commonly sold in regular nurseries.

[@juneramirez8580]

I have had a successful season growing native along with tropical milkweed from seeds. Next year I intend to plant many more seeds of native milkweeds and hopefully sell them locally. The tropical milkweed the monarchs choose to lay eggs on and eat, over the the native plants. The Tropicals I will cut down to the ground probably in late December January to prevent the parasites from spreading.

[@spankynater4242]

And don't let their seeds blow away in the wind.

[@1time4yurmind]

thanks for sharing your insight. just a correction, those orange bugs are milkweed bugs, not milkweed beetles

[@growitbuildit]

Thanks!

[@MsElsarios]

So happy I found ur channel, thanks for spreading your knowledge 🤓🌱💚

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Elsa! I'm glad you are finding it helpful.

[@antotaranu16]

Your video encouraged me to cold stratify the seeds and now I have some beautiful seedlings. Thank you!!! Is butterfly milkweed perennial in zone 4a?

[@growitbuildit]

Congrats on the seedlings. And it should be hardy to Zone 3. So you're good.

[@rjtrisurfer]

I have Swamp, Common and Butterfly Weed plants. Monarch's seem to like the Common varieties the most followed by Weed and Swamp. Since I always run out of Common Milkweed leaves for the voracious cats, it's nice to be able to move them to the Butterfly Weed leaves toward the end of the season. Sometimes though they fail to feed when moved. The Butterfly Weed seems a bit more disease and bug resistant than the Common plants, nice insurance towards the end of the season plant blues.

[@growitbuildit]

I've never tried raising caterpillars. But it sounds like you've worked out a good system. I'm surprised they don't always eat the Butterfly weed though. Interesting.

[@spankynater4242]

I wouldn't move them. Nature and the caterpillars know what they're doing.

[@RalphGranata]

great information, thanks

[@growitbuildit]

You're welcome!

[@lanniearmstrong8141]

Thank you so much for creating this video! It’s packed with so many helpful tips.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Lannie. I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@easpirithguru3983]

Yeahaa! Thank you...im putting in these and have some seeds in the fridge about to go in soil 6pks for growing...

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome. Good luck with your seeds!

[@Xannadew]

Thanks for this‼️ I needed it❤️

[@growitbuildit]

You are quite welcome!

[@suejacobson1714]

Wow! You’re a Great teacher! Exactly the information I was looking for. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Sue! I'm very happy you found it helpful!

[@marissaawesome2422]

Great video baby!!! You are on it!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Marissa!

[@pamelah6431]

I live in N Illinois and my A. tuberosa were on their 3rd+ years as well as several new volunteers. They were huge and did great, but I did not have ONE SINGLE monarch caterpillar! Other years I have had numerous caterpillars! Did anybody else have that issue? Even at the native perennial nursery I work at, there were hardly any to be found! In other news, I collected boatloads of seeds. Last fall I planted some A. tuberosa plugs for my parents (sandy-loamy soil, full sun) and most did not survive our horrible droughty-scorcher year. I transplanted one of my young ones at home (clay soil, full sun) and MAN, those roots are impressive. It was mad at me, but did recover and flowered for me.

[@growitbuildit]

That is good you were able to keep the transplanted Butterflyweed alive Pam - not an easy job! I had a decent amount of caterpillars this year on Butterfly weed. But on Whorled Milkweed, I had a ton.

[@shannonmoffett6530]

Wow what an amazing and detailed video, thank you!!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Shannon! I'm very happy you found it helpful.

[@milliejohnson8932]

Love it too! Thanks for sharing

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Millie - I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@brownenglish4975]

Amazing! thank you so much.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@BrunoFarneze]

Great information. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Bruno!

[@MAC-op5fc]

I love this plant. Great video, thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Mary - I love it too.

[@christopherharcoan37]

Going to plant some seeds.

[@jamestyrer6067]

Great video and info

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you James. Glad you found it helpful

[@brentdeaner]

New to your channel. Great content. Thanks for making these videos....

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome! Thank you for the kind words!

[@misodinamosa]

This was great! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Moon Catcher!

[@marianmartin9441]

Thanks, Loved this video!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Marian!

[@russellffnunley]

Thank you for the great content!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Russell. I'm happy you liked the video!

[@sandraoconnor5700]

Very helpful, thank you ❤❤❤

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Sandra!

[@jodyk4949]

Thanks for all the great info on this pretty plant!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Jody - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@traceyrussell-kowalski5916]

Great thanks for the info.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Tracey!

[@nancyfahey7518]

Thanks, I'll give it one more try.

[@growitbuildit]

Never give up! If nothing else, just wintersow the seeds. That is by far the easiest way. Just be patient, as sometimes milkweeds sprout later than other species.

[@earthandwind820]

Really, thorough and informative. Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!

[@trinafluur9287]

Well done! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Trina!

[@lee3351]

Great share!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Ida!

[@AmySorrellMusic]

Thumbs up and a new sub. Thank you! I have my packet of seeds already and this is very helpful.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Amy! It's a great flower. It does so much (wildlife/beauty) and is so easy to grow.

[@pamelafeather6405]

Brilliant trick to making it easier to collect seeds.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - glad I could help you out.