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How to Grow Milkweed: Planting, Care, and Best Native Varieties

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) in bloom with bright orange flowers

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a compact native milkweed prized for its vivid orange flowers and pollinator appeal.

Photo Credit
NNehring/Getty Images
Botanical Name
Asclepias spp.
Plant Type
Flowers
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil pH
Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Bloom Time
Spring
Summer
Flower Color
Orange
Pink
Purple
White
Hardiness Zone
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Special Features
Attracts Butterflies

Including Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and Other Monarch Host Plants

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Milkweed (Asclepias species) is essential for monarch butterflies and a foundational plant in native pollinator gardens. As the only host plant for monarch caterpillars, it plays a critical role in their life cycle, while nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. This guide explains how to select, plant, and care for milkweed to grow healthy, long-lived plants in your garden.

About Milkweed

Over 100 species of milkweed (Asclepias) are native to North America and thrive in sunny, open landscapes such as prairies, meadows, and roadsides. Matching the species to your local climate and soil type will improve establishment and long-term performance.

Several milkweed species are well-suited to home gardens. Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is among the most widely recognized, but gardeners can also grow butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, showy milkweed, and other regional species. Choosing the right variety for your region and soil conditions is key to success. 

Milkweed supports monarch butterflies at every stage of their life cycle. Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed leaves, and the emerging caterpillars feed exclusively on the foliage. In addition to monarchs, milkweed provides nectar for bees, native pollinators, and other butterflies and moths.

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) feeding on butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) feeding on butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), the only host plant for monarch caterpillars.

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Milkweed works well in native plant borders, meadow-style plantings, and pollinator gardens. Taller species such as common and swamp milkweed are best placed toward the back of beds, while compact butterfly weed fits neatly into perennial borders or mixed with drought-tolerant natives like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and blazing star. Because many species have deep taproots and naturalize over time, choose a sunny, permanent location where plants can grow undisturbed.

For more ideas on designing a butterfly-friendly space, see our guide to making a butterfly garden that thrives.

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) growing in a meadow garden before flowering
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) growing in a labyrinth meadow garden before bloom. Photo by the author.

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Planting

When to Plant Milkweed

Milkweed is best planted when the soil is cool and moist, allowing seeds or young plants to establish before summer heat.

Planting from seed:

  • Fall is ideal across most of the U.S. Fall sowing allows seeds to experience winter cold and undergo natural cold stratification, which improves germination rates for many native species.
  • Early spring planting is also possible once the soil is workable, but seeds should be cold-stratified in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 days before sowing. If you wish, start seeds indoors 4 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost.

Planting young nursery-grown starts:

Spring is the best time to transplant milkweed in most regions, giving roots time to establish before hot weather. In warmer climates, early fall planting is also successful.

Note: Planting windows vary by region—use the general month ranges below as a guide.

RegionBest time to sow seed outdoorsBest time to plant nursery starts
Southern (e.g., Texas, Gulf Coast)Oct–DecFeb–Apr or Sep–Oct
Central (Mid-Atlantic, Midwest transition zones)Sep–OctApr–May
Northern (Upper Midwest, Northeast, Northern Plains)Sep–NovApr–Jun

Where to Plant

Plant milkweed in full sun for best flowering and sturdy growth. Most species prefer well-draining soil, though swamp milkweed thrives in consistently moist locations. Because milkweed develops deep taproots and spreading root systems, choose a permanent site where plants will not need to be moved. Many species resent transplanting once established.

How to Plant

Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and keep soil lightly moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days, depending on soil temperature. 

Thin seedlings to allow 18 to 24 inches of space between plants.

When planting nursery-grown milkweed, gently loosen the root ball before setting it in a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Position the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill, and water thoroughly. Avoid over-amending soil, as overly rich conditions can reduce flowering.

Growing

Milkweed emerges later than many perennials, often leafing out in late spring or early summer. Be patient before assuming plants have failed to return. During dormancy, avoid overwatering.

Once established, most native milkweed species are drought-tolerant and require little supplemental irrigation. Butterfly weed and common milkweed prefer drier soils, while swamp milkweed benefits from regular moisture. Avoid fertilizing, which can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and may reduce the plant’s natural resilience.

Propagating Milkweed

Milkweed can be grown from seed or stem cuttings. Many native species benefit from cold stratification before spring planting.

To propagate from cuttings:

  • Take fresh green stems about ⅓ inch thick.
  • Recut stems underwater and dip in rooting hormone.
  • Place in moist sand or potting mix.
  • Roots typically form within 6–10 weeks.

Avoid dividing mature plants, as their deep taproots are easily damaged.

Types

Several native milkweed species are suitable for home gardens. Choose a variety adapted to your region, soil, and available space.

How to Choose the Right Milkweed for Your Site

Select species based on soil moisture, sun exposure, and winter hardiness. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) thrives in dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Swamp milkweed (A. incarnata) prefers consistently moist soil and tolerates heavier conditions. Common milkweed (A. syriaca) adapts to a wide range of soils but spreads vigorously. Always choose species hardy in your USDA growing zone for the best long-term performance.

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

A hardy perennial native to much of eastern and central North America. Plants reach 2 to 6 feet tall with broad gray-green leaves and fragrant pale pink to purple flowers in summer. This vigorous species spreads by underground rhizomes and is best planted in naturalized areas rather than small flower beds.
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Learn more about traditional uses and historical applications of common milkweed.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

A compact, garden-friendly species growing 1 to 2½ feet tall. It produces bright orange (sometimes yellow) flowers and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Unlike common milkweed, it forms clumps and is less aggressive.
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

An upright species reaching 2 to 4 feet tall with narrow leaves and rose-pink to mauve flowers. It thrives in moist soil but adapts to average garden conditions. Forms tidy clumps rather than spreading aggressively.
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) with pink flower clusters
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a clump-forming native species well-suited to rain gardens and damp sites.

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Native to western and central North America, this species grows 2 to 4 feet tall and bears soft pink, star-shaped flowers. It tolerates drought once established and performs well in prairie and meadow plantings.
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Not sure which species to plant? See our guide to the best milkweed varieties for monarch butterflies to compare native options by region.

Harvesting

Milkweed is not typically harvested for food or flowers in ornamental gardens, but you may choose to collect seed pods for propagation or to control self-seeding.

To collect seeds, remove pods just before they split open in late summer or early fall. Allow pods to dry fully before separating seeds from the silky floss. Store seeds in a cool, dry location until planting time.

If you prefer to prevent self-seeding, remove developing pods before they mature. Established plants should not be divided or transplanted, as milkweed resents root disturbance.

Gardening Products

Pests/Diseases

Milkweed is generally resistant to serious pests and diseases. Aphids may cluster on stems and buds; a strong spray of water is usually sufficient control. Always inspect plants carefully for monarch eggs and caterpillars before treatment.

Common visitors include:

  • Aphids
  • Milkweed leaf beetles
  • Milkweed tussock moth caterpillars
  • Red and black milkweed bugs

Wit and Wisdom

  • The genus name Asclepias honors Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine.
  • Indigenous peoples across North America traditionally used milkweed for food, fiber, and medicinal purposes. See uses and natural remedies for milkweed.
  • The milky-white sap was applied topically in traditional remedies, and preparations of roots and leaves were used in herbal medicine. (Milkweed contains compounds that can be toxic if improperly prepared and should not be consumed without expert guidance.)
  • The stems’ tough, stringy fibers were twisted into strong twine and rope or woven into coarse fabric.
Milkweed seed pods
The silky floss inside milkweed’s seed pods was used to stuff pillows, mattresses, and quilts, and was carried as tinder to start fires.
  • During World War II, milkweed floss was used as a substitute for kapok in life jackets because it is highly buoyant.
  • Milkweed is the state wildflower of Illinois.

Interested in saving the monarchs? Join conservation groups like the Monarch Joint Venture. 

Flowers
About The Author
Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the website companion of The Old Farmer's Almanac. She covers gardening, plants, pest control, soil composition, seasonal and moon c...
Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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