How to Plant Milkweed for Monarchs from Seed or Starter Plants

Learn how to plant milkweed for monarchs from seed or starter plants.
Since we are located in Southern California, we are sowing Narrow-Leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis).
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Starting from seed
06:13 Planting
Resources:
Growing Milkweed from Seed
theodorepayne.org/growing-mil...
Plant guides: Native Plants For Butterflies and Moths
theodorepayne.org/wp-content/...
Beyond Milkweed: More Plants for Monarchs
theodorepayne.org/beyond-milk...
Asclepias fascicularis: Printable brochure
theodorepayne.org/wp-content/...
Monarch Sanctuary Starter Kit in TPF Store
store.theodorepayne.org/seeds...
Not in Southern California? Find the right type of milkweed for your region:
xerces.org/milkweed/milkweed-...

[@freebutterfly102]

Thank you! I just heard Monarchs are dying on the news today and quickly ordered this seed and found your video. Very helpful thank you. I’m hoping my plant flowers and draws the attention of many butterflies!

[@jimlogan294]

A well-done, informative video, and Alejandro is a real pro in front of the camera.

[@TheodorePayne]

Thank you!

[@w4do]

He is a great communicator indeed!

[@bertharios7413]

Totally agree 👍

[@AyushGangabathina]

Wow, great video! I could not find any other video or site that dived this deep into the process of growing Milkweed from seed.

[@richardjjackson381]

Alejandro is a superb teacher on a very important topic.

[@lewisroyer3411]

Could listen to this guy all day

[@richardlynch1094]

Good Indo and presentation. I noticed I get Milkweed Aphids (non-native) on my A. fascicularis seedlings and that they were on your bench plants. Very easy to treat with some soapy water. Otherwise, they can kill the seedlings.

[@heatley1]

Love it!

[@cristinavegas6328]

Excellent instructions… thank you!

[@Claudettesilver300]

This is one of the best video I’ve seen. Thank you

[@WilliamCarterII]

Thanks, bro. Super helpful.

[@kmwrites7456]

Excellent teaching video. Thank you.

[@luisatarin1966]

Very nice 👍

[@amygradybsw]

Sharing!!

[@LaurelleFJohnson]

Great educational video. Now I know how to plant this lovely native. Thank you Alejandro!

[@bradlyman30]

Thank you Alejandro! Your passion and positive attitude is contagious. You have a bright future. God bless you!

[@321ReadysSetG0]

Just the info I needed and very well presented - so happy I found your channel

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeanineshiman8228]

Thank you sir, very informative, !!!

[@arthill6270]

Nice job explaining

[@TheDroppedAnchor]

Far and away THE BEST how to video. Thank you!

[@susanworden6459]

Thanks. I needed the tutorial!

[@TheodorePayne]

No problem!

[@davidnorris8852]

Thank you for the info!

[@TheodorePayne]

Our pleasure!

[@amandasmith8408]

Thank you so much for the information.

[@TheodorePayne]

Our pleasure!

[@TrevorEditor]

Super Informative. Thank you!

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tresbien9141]

TY for this informative video

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ErikNaso]

Thank you for this informative video. I just started the process today. Looking forward to those Monarchs!

[@TheodorePayne]

Best of luck!

[@carolinechronowski6080]

Great information. Thank you!

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@akristen4971]

TYVM!

[@CounterFleche]

Great video with a very thoughtful delivery. Excellent information!

[@alexisdamnit9012]

Such a great guide!

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@purnimabhatt5355]

Than you.

[@HappyCatGarden]

Good information. Very useful.

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AnitasLoveify]

Excellent tutorial!!

[@TheodorePayne]

Thank you!

[@teresahidalgo2771]

Very informative video, thank you very much.

[@TheodorePayne]

You are welcome!

[@MyPlantWorld]

Very well explained

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chjarjohnson3183]

Excellent and through video

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@kariolsen3553]

Great video! I've found I get better germ when I cold stratify the seeds for a month but maybe that is a regional thing? I live in No. Cal. Keep up the great work!

[@TheodorePayne]

That's a good tip! For milkweed native to Southern California, cold stratification is not necessary.

[@anthonycicco6618]

thanks for this video I definitely learned some things.

[@TheodorePayne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@burstey696]

Thank you for the excellent instruction! I feel more confident to begin this project. Bendiciones!

[@Anandamayi1122]

Wonderful presentation! Thank you Alejandro! I agree with someone else who wrote what a professional job you did. Bravo to you.!

[@karenharrisonbinette]

Thank you

[@TheodorePayne]

You're welcome

[@AliasJimWirth]

Awesome. I was wondering about some of what you covered, Alejandro. I look forward to talking with you again at TPF, too.

[@TheodorePayne]

Any time!

[@Pickles6115]

I'm growing 4 types of milkweed plants. Gay Butterflies, Hello Yellow, Soulmate and Butterfly weed. My kiddos gifted me seeds for my birthday. Hopefully all are native to where I live in Texas and they wont disrupt the Monarch butterflies migration route. Great video .

[@marlonb.8243]

I sowed some in the last week of August and they sprouted, just out of curiosity, because I harvested the seeds from the wild. I'm hoping the seedlings will survive the Southern California winter.

[@DMSATL]

Awesome work. About how long does it take to get from germination in the plug flat to up-potting into 4” pot to transplanting in the ground? I’m in the southeast and have some Swamp Milkweed seedlings and I’m wondering when I should up-pot.

[@mayrasilva2024]

Thank you so so much for the great video!! I’m newbie raising monarch!… but this year I raised 56 monarch butterflies 😀 …Was kind of expensive since cats eat like crazy!!😅😅 Two questions!! If I can ask 🙃…When is the right time to start to grow native milkweed from seeds here in CA?…. and what you do to eliminate those yellow little monsters?

[@TheodorePayne]

It's a good time to start milkweed seeds when you have warm days, at least 80 degrees out. For the aphids, feel free to blast them off with a stream of water or wipe off manually.

[@HomesteadWarrior]

Great information. Thank you. I'm in zone 8A - (Mississippi) and was told to get Asclepias Tuberosa Milkweed vs. Asclepias Curassavica Milkweed. Can you confirm this?

[@Babbledabbledo]

Thank you, this is super helpful! Where should the seed plugs be housed while the seeds germinate? Outside or inside? Sunny or partly sunny spot? Thanks in advance!

[@TheodorePayne]

Shade or part sun is recommended to prevent the plugs from drying out too fast.

[@Babbledabbledo]

@@TheodorePayne thank you!

[@kweiner]

Thank you! Can you share any information about how and when to gather seed from an existing narrow leaf milkweed plant?

[@TheodorePayne]

Great suggestion! We'd love to do some videos on seed collecting. Stay tuned!

[@marydiscuillo142]

Is raising showy milkweed the same? I want to get an early start and plant indoors.. is this possible?

[@WolfgangMeowzart]

Did you prechill the seeds before planting in the plugs? I have some Asclepias speciosa seeds and I have read that prechilling improves germination. How long would you recommend prechilling?

[@kinglyzard]

You can prechill your seeds in a wet paper towel in the fridge for 8 weeks or longer. I collect or purchase mine in the Fall and start stratification as it gets cold out, so I leave them in the fridge all Winter. However, if you live in a warmer region like Florida, Texas or California, stratification of native species may not be necessary.

[@SrAnguianoenespannol]

Will seeds survive if they were frozen a couple weeks?

[@AishawithanEye]

Hey Alejandro! I'm doing a habitat enhancement project in Norcal for the burrowing owls, and now, the monarch butterflies as well. We haven't been successful growing milkweeds from seed directly at the project site, so we're looking to have community members start them from seed for transplantation in the early spring of next year (like Feb/March). Given our timeline, is it ok to plant the seeds now and they'll be ready for transplanting in the spring? If we start them now, should we expect to move them into 1-gallon containers (or just larger containers) at some point? We'd been buying milkweeds in 1-gallon containers, so now we have a lot of those that we can reuse for this project, but should we even use them or is it best to transplant them before they'd need a gallon container? We'd been purchasing the gallon-sized milkweeds because we suspected they'd be more successful at our project site.

[@TheodorePayne]

Hi Aisha, it's tough to say! We can only speak for down here is SoCal. But we have seen milkweeds do well in 4" pots for several months, even growing a couple of feet tall without being repotted. However you may want to shift them up to 1-gallon containers to allow more room for root growth since you aren't planting for a while. One thing to note--the plants will go dormant in winter so when they start to look brown and dead, you can snip them back and leave them in the pots until it warms up again. That applies to our local milkweed--asclepias fascicularis, eriocarpa, and speciosa. Your mileage may vary with other types!

[@BCBRENDA]

Which milkweed is good for Florida monarch butterflies.

[@Guinnzalez]

How much space between plants if you are planting starter plants?

[@evangelinadiaz5478]

Hola dónde te encuentras ? Yo estoy en tucson he intentado germinar las semillas desde el año pasado y no crecen!! Podrías enviarme de la semilla que tú utilizas ?? Como te contacto ? Gracias

[@OutdoorScienceDad]

Does this method apply the same way to A. speciosa and A. eriocarpa? I have both those seeds but not narrow leaf. Thank you!

[@TheodorePayne]

Yes, you can use the same method for those as well.

[@marydiscuillo142]

How long does it take the baby milkweed im growing(from seed)to become established and can back off watering? Is it like 1 year like other plants?

[@TheodorePayne]

It establishes much faster--probably just a month or two until it's self sufficient!

[@JuniorFarquar]

I gathered a buttload and just scattered it in appropriate places like the wind does

[@marydiscuillo142]

What happens next? How often do you water initially them maybe when a month or two goes by and then full size.? My soil is hard and clay like so am sure its different than your sandy soil. I just dont want to overdo. Thank you!!

[@TheodorePayne]

Allow the young plant to dry almost fully between waterings. Once it is established in the ground or a container it will be pretty drought tolerant, so you can leave it alone and only water if you see it looking droopy.

[@mariannepheeb7921]

Hi there! I live on the east coast of the U.S. particularly in the tri-state area. Your vid was very informative! I know you mentioned best time to plant the seeds is during March - July... However, I've also heard that you can plant seeds in the fall or winter months. Is that accurate? Thanks

[@TheodorePayne]

Hi Marianne, thanks for your kind comment! We are based in Southern California, so that is the area we know best. But Xerces Society has some great info for the Northeast region you can find here: www.xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center/northeast

[@mariannepheeb7921]

@@TheodorePayne Thanks, cheers

[@havensmith6371]

Can the seedlings be transplanted into the ground from the small plugs or should they be moved into a larger container before putting them in the ground?

[@kinglyzard]

It really depends upon the local wildlife. Rabbits and other animals won't think twice about devouring Milkweed seedlings. If you live in a region with relatively few pests, you can sow seeds directly into the ground. I always get mine at least grown into a 4" pot, but in bad years I go to 1 gals.

[@irenebeaumont9563]

Alejandro how do you keep the aphids and other bugs out from the milkweed plants? Thank you

[@TheodorePayne]

Aphids can be removed with a strong spray of water from the hose. But the ones that appear on milkweed are pretty harmless so you can also just leave them!

[@kinglyzard]

Plant fennel, dill, parsley and carrots and let them bloom. That always attract hover flies (Syrphids), whose larvae dote on aphids. Fleabane works too. Side benefit is Black Swallowtails.

[@betsystankard4247]

Is milkweed a perennial? If so, when and how should you prune?

[@TheodorePayne]

Yes, they are perennial. No need to prune - the plant will go dormant itself in winter. You can trim down the dead sticks if desired. Then new growth will come from the same plant in spring.

[@patronna5776]

I am in Chicago, IL & want to start the seedlings inside. Can I do this if so do I need to take any other steps? Thank you

[@TheodorePayne]

Check with Xerces society or your local native plant organization for information on what type of milkweed to plant and instructions for your region.

[@orcalite1]

When do you put them in ground. How big are the seedlings to be

[@TheodorePayne]

It's more about the roots than the size of the plant. Once they are well rooted (roots hold onto the soil when you tug) they can be transplanted.

[@tracydr01]

Which milkweed varieties should I start in North Carolina? I live in the Southeastern part of the state,on the edge of the Sandhills and the coastal plains.

[@TheodorePayne]

Check out Xerces society for info on this! www.xerces.org/milkweed/milkweed-guides

[@mewrongway]

Can I have your greenhouse? 🥳

[@trishvenegas841]

Alejandro I have very sandi soil in florida, have a hard time reasing milkweed

[@TheodorePayne]

We recommend the Xerces society tool for finding the right plants for your region. Check it out! xerces.org/milkweed/milkweed-seed-finder#mwf_tool

[@Greeneggsandham123]

Try balloon (harry ball’s) milkweed or if south Florida, the giant milkweed. They are from South Africa and Australia and do well.

[@darkrulier]

I just planted 5 of these narrowleaf milkweed in my yard. My fear is that they will go out of control and would spread too much.

[@yuenchunchan9390]

How long does it take the start to grow until it can benefit the Monarch butterflies?

[@kinglyzard]

Depends on the species and where you live. Monarchs are very fond of laying eggs on the tiniest of plants, so you have to really have some larger plants for the caterpillars as they get bigger in case you're visited too soon. Usually, a plant can properly support Monarchs after the first season, or toward the end of its first season.

[@nicolewb]

How many 4” plants should be planted in each 3ft x 3ft area?

[@TheodorePayne]

Depending how tightly you want to pack them, you could fit 1 to 4 plants in that space.

[@kinglyzard]

And also allow your Milkweed patch to get weedy. Clean garden beds offer no cover against wasps, their numero uno predators. Tall grass and other weeds at the base of your hosts will provide perfect cover while the caterpillars molt and hide out at peak predator times, usually the hottest part of the day.

[@chicagomike68]

You mentioned the seeds will get sunlight even though they are under 1/2 inch of soil. How do the seeds receive sun half inch under the soil? That's confusing to me. I only mention as some type of milkweed need sunlight to germinate. To me the varieties of milkweed seeds needing sunlight to germinate should not be half in under the soil. Can you explain more places

[@TheodorePayne]

Sorry for confusing wording! The seeds need warmth and moisture but once they sprout they will need the sunlight.

[@lepidlover0557]

The sunlight would be able to reach the seeds through tiny cracks in the soil surface and as they germinate, they push up the soil above and allow more light to get in, further encouraging them to grow.

[@kinglyzard]

What state is this?

[@TheodorePayne]

California

[@itmaslanka]

The main problem I have is the seedlings grow to 2-3 in and then a monarch lays eggs on it . They eat the small plant and and go wander out looking for more ! And then there’s the virus NPV which will wipe out every one ! 😩

[@SamsonsamSim]

Another tip - make sure there are no tussock moths or caterpillars around because THEY WILL devour the milkweeds. I have seen this first hand and have resorted to cutting the plants down. I don't want to but the tussocks are a relentless, poisonous creature.

[@TheodorePayne]

Good tip!

[@treezza2817]

Can milkweed become invasive?

[@TheodorePayne]

Not if. you use a type that is native to your area! Check here to find yours: www.xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center

[@kinglyzard]

@@TheodorePayne Amen and thank you for that!!

[@markw4692]

The common type (syriaca) is known to be invasive with its root structure. However, the monarchs LOVE it. A less invasive species could be swamp milkweed with its large native distribution area also.

[@scottmunroe8795]

Great video, but how do you get your fingernails so clean!? :)

[@gennafer]

Are you not concerned about the absolute aphid infestation on those baby seedlings?

[@fishingpinky3165]

WOW...those seedlings were full of APHIDS!

[@rosarioestrada9894]

Here after watching " The Guardian of the monarchs" in Netflix 😭

[@tiger1554]

Does anyone know how "toxic" milkweed is? I prefer to be like Alejandro and garden without gloves personally because I like touching the earth.

[@TheodorePayne]

The inner sap is the part that can irritate skin. As long as you are just touching the outside of the plant you should be okay. But watch out if you break a piece off.

[@tiger1554]

@@TheodorePayne okay, I will be careful in that case. This is such a relief. Thank you!

[@janetthomas2491]

Do not let sap get in your eye. Wash hands every time you are cutting it. Very dangerous. Go to opthamologist immediately.

[@samscott2680]

Bro the milkweed doesn’t look like this😐

[@moedeclerk6688]

that doesn't look like milkweed, and it takes 3 years to flower yo