Looking to Purchase a Milkweed Plant? Here's What You Need to Know

Milkweed plants are an important food source for monarch butterflies and are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners in the United States. If you're interested in purchasing a milkweed plant, there are a few things you should know before making your purchase.

What to Look for When Buying a Milkweed Plant

When buying a milkweed plant, it's important to look for a healthy specimen that has a strong root system. It's also essential to purchase the right type of milkweed plant for your region. For example, if you live in the eastern United States, common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) or swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) are good options. If you live in the western United States, narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) or showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) might be better choices.

For those who are trying to attract monarch butterflies to their garden, it's recommended that you purchase a variety of milkweed plants, as monarch caterpillars require a lot of food to complete their lifecycle.

Where to Buy Milkweed Plants

There are a variety of places where you can purchase milkweed plants, both in-person and online. Here are a few options to consider:

Nurseries and Garden Centers:

Many nurseries and garden centers carry milkweed plants during the growing season. These plants can often be purchased in-person and are a good option for those who want to see the plant before buying.

Online Retailers:

There are a variety of online retailers that specialize in native plants, including milkweed. When purchasing from an online retailer, it's important to read reviews and check the company's policies before making your purchase. Some popular online retailers for milkweed plants include Prairie Moon Nursery and Monarch Watch.

Wildlife Organizations:

Some wildlife organizations, such as the Xerces Society, offer milkweed plants for sale on their websites. These organizations often specialize in native plant species and may have a wider variety of milkweed plants to choose from.

How to Care for Your Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once established, milkweed plants are fairly drought-tolerant and don't require a lot of additional watering.

If you're planting milkweed to attract monarch butterflies, it's important to avoid using pesticides and other chemicals on your plants. Monarch butterflies are particularly sensitive to these substances and may not lay their eggs on plants that have been treated. If you do need to use pest control measures, try using natural alternatives such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Conclusion

If you're looking to purchase a milkweed plant, there are several options to consider. Nurseries, garden centers, online retailers, and wildlife organizations are all great places to start. When purchasing a milkweed plant, make sure to look for a healthy specimen that is suitable for your region. With proper care, your milkweed plant will provide a food source for monarch butterflies and a beautiful addition to your garden.