Some companion planWe all know that anything even remotely regarded as a weed is maddeningly quick to take hold in our gardens, and milkweed is no different. Except for needing a bit of time in the refrigerator to stratify, milkweed seeds are easy to plant. Since they do well in poor soils, they're great for neglected areas on your property, as long as they have good drainage and full sun. Milkweed thrives as annuals anywhere in North America and grows as perennials in USDA zones 3-9.
The typical milkweed will bloom June through August, and despite the "weed" moniker, they're excellent ornamentals and make beautiful cut flowers.
Diversity is key to a healthy ecosystem, and butterfly gardens are no exception. We recommend you plant a variety of milkweed types, as well as tall, broad-leafed plants that provide cover for napping adults or those seeking shelter from bad weather, and nectar-rich flowers to fuel them up. Native wildflowers for pollinators are always the best, especially when you create a landscape that blooms throughout the monarch's migration period.
You can learn more about growing milkweed for monarch butterflies in this Seed Needs post. Do you have photos of monarchs visiting your own milkweed patch? Post them to Instagram, and tag us! ts repel common ground cherry pests, and others may improve their flavor. Try planting your ground cherries near parsley, basil, carrots, and jalapeno peppers. Unlike many plants, they do well next to alliums—particularly onions.
