Is it better to plant from seed, or to purchase a potted flower? Both are fine. Please make sure you choose the plant that is native to your area. You do not want to purchase a potted flower that is not native to where you live because they will not benefit the butterflies in your area.
Where is it the best place to plant it? Plant it in a pot, and leave it in your garden during the spring and summer. During the winter and fall, bring them inside if needed.
Can you grow it in a pot? Or must you plant it in the ground? Normally, you start by planting the milkweed inside a small plant holder. Once the plant reaches around double the size of the holder, carefully transport the plant along with its roots to ground soil, and do this before the plant is rooted into the ground. Dig up a hole, and input the milkweed into the ground until it reaches the top of the soil from the holder.
How big does it get? During the first year, you will not see much growth from the plant, and it will be a 3-5 inches from the ground level. As the years progress, the milkweed native to our area will grow up to 3-4 feet in height.
Who should not plant this plant in the garden? If there is a risk of someone or something eating milkweed, besides butterflies, do not plant this plant in the garden. However, you should be fine; just be careful and wash your hands after touching the milkweed!
Where can you buy this plant or its seeds? You can buy this plant or its seed in most local stores that sell plants or seeds. We recommend these stores: Theodore Payne foundation, Roger’s Garden, and Armstrong Garden. We cannot stress this enough: make sure the milkweed you purchase is native to your area when you do go out to buy the plant or its seeds!
Where do the butterflies lay their eggs? They lay their eggs on the leaves of the milkweed.
What kind of monarch butterflies can we expect to see in Irvine, CA? We can expect to see Western Monarch Butterflies.
Why is it important to plant the right kind of plants in your area? If you plant the wrong plant they potentially could get sick and die from the plant emitting OE.
What is the best plant(s) to plant in Irvine, California? Narrow-leaf milkweed is the best plant to plant in Irvine, California. Do not buy tropical milkweed!
How does this problem affect our community? It affects the community because without butterflies we don’t get as much food and resources, and it can cause a lot of ecosystems to crash without the monarch butterfly.
How many seeds should be planted in one hole? 2-3 seeds. Maximum of 3 seeds.