Where to Buy Milkweed Plants: A Guide to the Best Sources

Milkweed: The Plant That Monarchs Need

Milkweed is a genus of flowering plants that is native to North America. It is known for its showy flowers and its role as the host plant for monarch butterflies. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed plants, and the adult butterflies use the plants as a place to lay their eggs.

In recent years, the milkweed population has been declining due to habitat loss and the use of herbicides. This has led to a decline in the monarch butterfly population, which is now listed as a threatened species.

If you are interested in helping to save the monarch butterfly, you can do your part by planting milkweed plants. Milkweed plants are easy to grow and can be found at most garden centers. They are also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only minimal watering and sunlight.

In this article, we will discuss where to buy milkweed plants, how to plant them, and how to care for them. We will also provide tips on how to attract monarch butterflies to your garden.

So if you are ready to help save the monarch butterfly, read on for more information about milkweed plants!

Website	Price	Shipping
Milkweed Store	$10.95	$5.95
Prairie Moon Nursery	$12.95	$9.95
Johnny’s Seeds	$11.95	$6.95

Milkweed plants are a vital part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. They are also beautiful plants that can add a splash of color to any garden.

If you’re thinking about adding milkweed plants to your garden, there are a few things you need to know. First, there are many different types of milkweed plants, each with its own unique characteristics. Second, milkweed plants can be poisonous to animals, so it’s important to plant them in an area where pets and children cannot reach them.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of milkweed plants, where to buy them, and how to care for them. We’ll also provide tips on how to attract monarch butterflies to your garden.

Types of Milkweed Plants

There are over 100 different species of milkweed plants, but only a few are commonly grown in gardens. The most popular types of milkweed plants include:

• Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca): This is the most common type of milkweed plant in North America. It is a tall, upright plant with large, green leaves and clusters of white flowers. Common milkweed is poisonous to animals, but it is a favorite food of monarch butterflies.
• Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): This type of milkweed plant is native to wetlands and wet meadows. It is a shorter, more spreading plant than common milkweed, with smaller leaves and pink flowers. Swamp milkweed is also poisonous to animals, but it is a good choice for gardens that are prone to flooding.
• Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): This type of milkweed plant is native to the eastern United States. It is a low-growing plant with small, yellow flowers. Butterfly milkweed is not as poisonous to animals as other types of milkweed, but it is still a good choice for gardens that are frequented by pets and children.
• Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica): This type of milkweed plant is native to Central and South America. It is a tall, upright plant with large, showy flowers. Tropical milkweed is not hardy in cold climates, but it is a good choice for gardens in warm climates.

Other types of milkweed plants

In addition to the four types of milkweed plants listed above, there are many other species that are available. Some of the other popular types of milkweed plants include:

• Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): This type of milkweed plant is native to the western United States. It is a tall, upright plant with large, white flowers. Showy milkweed is not as poisonous to animals as other types of milkweed, but it is still a good choice for gardens that are frequented by pets and children.
• Mexican milkweed (Asclepias mexicana): This type of milkweed plant is native to Mexico and Central America. It is a low-growing plant with small, yellow flowers. Mexican milkweed is not as hardy as other types of milkweed, but it is a good choice for gardens in warm climates.
• Downy milkweed (Asclepias asperula): This type of milkweed plant is native to the eastern United States. It is a low-growing plant with small, white flowers. Downy milkweed is not as poisonous to animals as other types of milkweed, but it is still a good choice for gardens that are frequented by pets and children.

Where to Buy Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants are available for purchase from a variety of sources, including:

• Online retailers: Many online retailers sell milkweed plants. Be sure to do your research and choose a reputable retailer.
• Local nurseries: Local nurseries often carry milkweed plants. Be sure to check with your local nursery to see if they have any milkweed plants in stock.
• Garden centers: Garden centers sometimes carry milkweed plants. Be sure to check with your local garden center to see if they have any milkweed plants in stock.
• Wildflowers and native plant societies: Wildflowers and native plant societies often sell milkweed plants. Be sure to check with your local wildflower or native plant society to see if they have any milkweed plants in stock.
• Other sources: You may also be able to find milkweed plants at farmers markets, flea markets, or online auction sites.

How to Care for Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants are relatively easy to care for. Here are a few tips on how to care for milkweed plants:

• Plant milkweed plants in full sun. Milkweed plants need full sun to thrive.

* **Plant milkweed plants in well-

Where to Buy Milkweed Plants?

Milkweed plants are a great addition to any garden, and they are relatively easy to find. You can buy milkweed plants online, at garden centers, or from local nurseries.

Online

There are many online retailers that sell milkweed plants. Some of the most popular retailers include:

• The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy sells a variety of milkweed plants, including common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa).
• Native Plant Trust: The Native Plant Trust sells a variety of milkweed plants, including swamp milkweed, butterfly weed, and showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa).
• Wild Ones: Wild Ones sells a variety of milkweed plants, including common milkweed, swamp milkweed, and butterfly weed.

Garden Centers

Most garden centers carry a selection of milkweed plants. You can find milkweed plants at garden centers in the spring and summer.

Local Nurseries

Local nurseries are another great place to find milkweed plants. Nurseries often have a wider selection of milkweed plants than garden centers. You can find milkweed plants at local nurseries in the spring and summer.

Tips for Buying Milkweed Plants

When buying milkweed plants, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Size: Milkweed plants come in a variety of sizes. Choose a milkweed plant that is the right size for your garden.
• Condition: Milkweed plants should be healthy and free of pests and diseases.
• Price: Milkweed plants can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Choose a milkweed plant that is within your budget.

Caring for Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants are relatively easy to care for. Here are a few tips for caring for milkweed plants:

• Plant milkweed plants in full sun. Milkweed plants need full sun to thrive.
• Water milkweed plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Milkweed plants are drought-tolerant, but they will need more water during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize milkweed plants once a year in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
• Prune milkweed plants as needed. Prune milkweed plants to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems.
• Protect milkweed plants from pests and diseases. Milkweed plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as aphids, mites, and powdery mildew. To protect milkweed plants from pests and diseases, you can use a variety of methods, such as:

• Spray milkweed plants with a water hose to knock off pests.
• Apply a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray to milkweed plants to kill pests.
• Prune milkweed plants to remove diseased leaves and stems.
• Water milkweed plants regularly to help prevent powdery mildew.

Benefits of Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants provide a number of benefits, including:

• Milkweed plants provide food for monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies are the only butterflies that can lay their eggs on milkweed plants. Milkweed plants are essential for the survival of monarch butterflies.
• Milkweed plants are drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Milkweed plants are drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making them a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Milkweed plants can be used for medicinal purposes. Milkweed plants have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The sap from milkweed plants can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin irritations, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory problems.
• Milkweed plants are beautiful additions to any garden. Milkweed plants are beautiful, adding a touch of color and interest to any garden.

Milkweed plants are a great addition to any garden. They are easy to care for, provide food for monarch butterflies, and can be used for medicinal purposes. If you are looking for a beautiful and beneficial plant to add to your garden, consider planting milkweed.

Q: Where can I buy milkweed plants?

A: Milkweed plants are available for purchase online and at garden centers. When buying milkweed plants, it is important to choose a reputable source that sells healthy plants.

Q: What are the different types of milkweed plants?

A: There are over 100 species of milkweed plants, but the most common types are the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), the butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), and the swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

Q: How much does a milkweed plant cost?

A: The cost of a milkweed plant varies depending on the size and type of plant. Generally, milkweed plants cost between $5 and $10.

Q: When is the best time to plant milkweed plants?

A: Milkweed plants can be planted in the spring or fall. However, spring is the best time to plant milkweed plants because they will have more time to establish themselves before the winter.

Q: How do I care for milkweed plants?

A: Milkweed plants are relatively easy to care for. They require full sun and well-drained soil. Milkweed plants should be watered regularly, but they should not be overwatered.

Q: How do I attract butterflies to my milkweed plants?

A: Milkweed plants are a host plant for monarch butterflies. To attract butterflies to your milkweed plants, plant them in a sunny location and provide them with plenty of water. You can also encourage butterflies by planting nectar plants near your milkweed plants.

Q: How do I harvest milkweed seeds?

A: Milkweed seeds can be harvested in the fall. To harvest milkweed seeds, wait until the seed pods have turned brown and dry. Then, cut the seed pods open and collect the seeds. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.

Milkweed plants are a valuable resource for monarchs and other pollinators. They are also easy to grow and care for, making them a great addition to any garden. When choosing a milkweed plant, be sure to select one that is native to your area. This will help ensure that it is well-suited to the local climate and conditions. You can find milkweed plants at a variety of nurseries and garden centers. You can also purchase them online from a number of reputable retailers.

Milkweed plants are a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden. By planting milkweed, you can help to support monarchs and other pollinators, and you can also enjoy the beauty of these unique plants.

Key Takeaways

• Milkweed plants are a valuable resource for monarchs and other pollinators.
• They are easy to grow and care for, making them a great addition to any garden.
• When choosing a milkweed plant, be sure to select one that is native to your area.
• You can find milkweed plants at a variety of nurseries and garden centers.
• You can also purchase them online from a number of reputable retailers.