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

Where to Purchase Milkweed Plants?

Milkweed is a genus of flowering plants known for its showy flowers and its role as a host plant for monarch butterflies. The plants are native to North America, but they can be grown in a variety of climates. If you’re interested in growing milkweed, there are a few different ways to get your hands on some plants.

• Purchase milkweed plants from a nursery or garden center. This is the easiest way to get started, as you can be sure that the plants are healthy and vigorous. However, nurseries and garden centers often have a limited selection of milkweed species.
• Order milkweed plants online. There are a number of online retailers that sell milkweed plants. This can be a good option if you’re looking for a specific species of milkweed or if you want to choose from a wider variety of plants.
• Collect milkweed seeds. If you live in an area where milkweed grows wild, you can collect seeds and grow your own plants. This is a great way to get free plants, but it does require some patience.

Once you have your milkweed plants, it’s important to plant them in a location where they will get full sun and have well-drained soil. Milkweed plants are drought-tolerant, but they will do best if they are watered regularly during dry periods.

Milkweed is a beautiful and beneficial plant that can add a lot to your garden. By following these tips, you can easily get started growing milkweed in your own backyard.

| Store | Milkweed Species | Price |
|—|—|—|
| [American Meadows](https://www.americanmeadows.com/milkweed-plants) | Common milkweed, butterfly milkweed, swamp milkweed | $5.95 – $12.95 |
| [Milkweed Meadows](https://milkweedmeadows.com/milkweed-plants) | Common milkweed, butterfly milkweed, swamp milkweed | $5.95 – $12.95 |
| [Native Plant Nursery](https://www.nativeplantnursery.com/milkweed-plants) | Common milkweed, butterfly milkweed, swamp milkweed | $5.95 – $12.95 |

Milkweed plants are a vital part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for monarch butterflies. They are also beautiful plants that can add a touch of nature to any garden. If you are interested in growing milkweed plants, there are a few different ways to get them.

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

Types of Milkweed Plants

There are over 100 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, herbaceous perennial that can reach heights of up to 5 feet. Common milkweed has showy, pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer.
• Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): This type of milkweed plant is native to wetlands and moist areas. It is a shorter, more compact plant than common milkweed, typically reaching heights of 2-3 feet. Swamp milkweed has fragrant, pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer.
• Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): This type of milkweed plant is native to the eastern United States. It is a low-growing, spreading plant that can reach heights of 1-2 feet. Butterfly milkweed has showy, orange flowers that bloom in the summer.

In addition to these three types of milkweed plants, there are many other species that are suitable for growing in gardens. Some of the other popular types of milkweed plants include:

• Antelope milkweed (Asclepias asperula)
• Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
• Mexican milkweed (Asclepias curassavica)
• Milkweed vine (Asclepias fruticosa)

Where to Purchase Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants can be purchased from a variety of sources, including online retailers, local nurseries, and garden centers. When purchasing milkweed plants, it is important to choose a reputable source that sells healthy, disease-free plants.

Online retailers are a convenient way to purchase milkweed plants. Many online retailers offer a wide variety of milkweed plants to choose from, and they often ship plants directly to your door. Some of the popular online retailers that sell milkweed plants include:

• American Meadows
• Nature Hills Nursery
• Gurney’s Seed & Nursery
• Jungle Jim’s

Local nurseries and garden centers are another good option for purchasing milkweed plants. Nurseries and garden centers typically have a limited selection of milkweed plants, but they can be a good option if you are looking for plants that are native to your area.

If you are unable to find milkweed plants at a local nursery or garden center, you can also try wildcrafting them. Wildcrafting is the process of harvesting plants from the wild. When wildcrafting milkweed plants, it is important to be careful not to damage the plant. Only harvest a few stems from each plant, and make sure to leave the roots intact.

How to Care for Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants are relatively easy to care for. They are drought-tolerant plants that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. However, there are a few things you can do to help your milkweed plants thrive.

• Plant milkweed plants in full sun. Milkweed plants need full sun to produce flowers and seeds.
• Water milkweed plants regularly during dry periods. Milkweed plants are drought-tolerant, but they will need to be watered regularly during dry spells.
• Fertilize milkweed plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Milkweed plants do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a monthly application of a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune milkweed plants to keep them healthy. Milkweed plants can become overgrown if they are not pruned regularly. Prune milkweed plants in the spring to remove dead or damaged stems.

Attracting Monarch Butterflies to Your Garden

Milkweed plants are a vital part of the monarch butterfly life cycle. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants, and the caterpillars that hatch from the eggs feed on the milkweed leaves. The adult butterflies drink the nectar from the milkweed flowers.

If you want to attract monarch butterflies to your garden, it is important to plant milkweed plants. Milkweed plants are the only plants that monarch butterflies will lay their eggs on. You can also provide other nectar

Where To Purchase Milkweed Plants?

Milkweed plants are available for purchase from a variety of sources, including online retailers, garden centers, and nurseries. When choosing a milkweed plant, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The type of milkweed plant. There are over 100 species of milkweed plants, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular milkweed plants for butterflies include the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), the swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), and the butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa).
• The size of the milkweed plant. Milkweed plants can range in size from small annuals to large perennials. It is important to choose a milkweed plant that is appropriate for the size of your garden.
• The growing conditions. Milkweed plants are relatively easy to grow, but they do best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for milkweed plants. Here are a few of the best places to purchase milkweed plants:

• Online retailers. A number of online retailers sell milkweed plants. Some of the most popular online retailers include Amazon, Etsy, and The Home Depot.
• Garden centers. Many garden centers carry a variety of milkweed plants. When shopping at a garden center, be sure to ask the staff for advice on choosing the right milkweed plant for your needs.
• Nurseries. Nurseries often specialize in growing milkweed plants. When shopping at a nursery, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, high-quality plant.

How to Care for Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some basic care to thrive. Here are a few tips on how to care for milkweed plants:

• Plant milkweed plants in full sun. Milkweed plants need full sun to produce flowers and seeds.
• Water milkweed plants regularly. Milkweed plants need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize milkweed plants once a month. Milkweed plants can benefit from a monthly fertilizer application. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium.
• Prune milkweed plants as needed. Milkweed plants can be pruned to keep them in shape and to encourage new growth. Prune milkweed plants in the early spring before new growth begins.

Planting milkweed plants

Milkweed plants can be planted in the spring or fall. When planting milkweed plants, it is important to choose a site that receives full sun. Milkweed plants also need well-drained soil. To plant a milkweed plant, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. Place the root ball in the hole and fill it with soil. Water the plant thoroughly.

Watering milkweed plants

Milkweed plants need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and the type of soil. In general, milkweed plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week.

Fertilizing milkweed plants

Milkweed plants can benefit from a monthly fertilizer application. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium. Fertilize milkweed plants in the early spring before new growth begins.

Pruning milkweed plants

Milkweed plants can be pruned to keep them in shape and to encourage new growth. Prune milkweed plants in the early spring before new growth begins. To prune a milkweed plant, simply cut off the stems that are damaged or diseased.

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Benefits of Milkweed Plants

Milkweed plants offer a number of benefits, including:

• Attract butterflies. Milkweed plants are a host plant for monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves.
• Provide food for monarch caterpillars. Monarch caterpillars eat the leaves of milkweed plants. The caterpillars need milkweed plants to survive.
• Help to control the spread of milkweed disease. Milkweed plants are resistant to a number of diseases that can affect other plants. This makes them a valuable addition to any garden.

Attract butterflies

Milkweed plants are a host plant for monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves.

Where can I purchase milkweed plants?

There are a few different places where you can purchase milkweed plants. You can find them at:

• Nurseries and garden centers: Many nurseries and garden centers carry a variety of milkweed plants. You can find them in both the spring and fall.
• Online retailers: There are a number of online retailers that sell milkweed plants. You can find them in a variety of sizes and varieties.
• Native plant societies: Native plant societies often have milkweed plants for sale. You can find them at their annual plant sales or by contacting them directly.
• Wildlife organizations: Some wildlife organizations sell milkweed plants to help support their conservation efforts. You can find them at their websites or by contacting them directly.

What type of milkweed plant should I buy?

The best type of milkweed plant to buy depends on your growing conditions. If you live in an area with a cold winter, you will need to choose a hardy variety of milkweed. If you live in an area with a hot summer, you will need to choose a variety that is tolerant of heat and drought.

Some of the most popular varieties of milkweed plants include:

• Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed): This is a hardy variety of milkweed that is native to North America. It grows in a variety of soil conditions and is tolerant of both heat and drought.
• Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed): This is a wetland plant that is native to North America. It grows in wet soils and is tolerant of flooding.
• Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed): This is a drought-tolerant variety of milkweed that is native to North America. It blooms in the summer and is a favorite of monarch butterflies.

How much does a milkweed plant cost?

The cost of a milkweed plant varies depending on the variety, size, and where you purchase it. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20 for a milkweed plant.

How do I plant a milkweed plant?

To plant a milkweed plant, you will need:

• A milkweed plant
• A hole that is twice the width of the root ball
• Soil
• Water

1. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball.
2. Place the milkweed plant in the hole so that the crown of the plant is level with the soil.
3. Backfill the hole with soil.
4. Water the plant thoroughly.

How do I care for a milkweed plant?

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

• Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month.
• Deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.
• Inspect the plants for pests and diseases and treat them as needed.

How do I propagate milkweed plants?

Milkweed plants can be propagated by seed or division.

To propagate milkweed plants by seed, you will need:

• Milkweed seeds
• A seed-starting mix
• A container
• Water

1. Fill a seed-starting mix in a container.
2. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the seeds.
5. Place the container in a warm, sunny location.
6. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks.

To propagate milkweed plants by division, you will need:

• A mature milkweed plant
• A sharp knife
• A new pot
• Soil

1. Dig up the mature milkweed plant.
2. Use a sharp knife to divide the plant into two or more sections.
3. Plant each section in a new pot filled with soil.
4. Water the plants.

What are the benefits of planting milkweed plants?

There are many benefits to planting milkweed plants. Here are a few:

• Milkweed plants provide food for monarch butterflies.
• Milkweed plants help to control the population of milkweed bugs.
• Milkweed plants are drought-tolerant and can help to improve soil quality.
• Milkweed plants are beautiful and add a touch of nature to any landscape.

Milkweed plants are a valuable resource for both the environment and for people. They provide food and shelter for wildlife, and they can also be used to make medicine and other products. If you are interested in growing milkweed plants, there are a few different places where you can purchase them. You can find them at nurseries, online retailers, and even some garden centers. When choosing a milkweed plant, it is important to make sure that it is the right species for your climate and growing conditions. You should also consider the size of the plant and how much space you have available. By following these tips, you can easily find and grow milkweed plants in your own backyard.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Milkweed plants are a valuable resource for the environment and for people.
• There are a few different places where you can purchase milkweed plants.
• When choosing a milkweed plant, it is important to make sure that it is the right species for your climate and growing conditions.
• By following these tips, you can easily find and grow milkweed plants in your own backyard.