How large a pot is needed for the taproot when growing on a patio/DECk? What is the best kind of soil mixture? I'm a senior and never tried this before, though a longtime gardener.
It would be hard to say, as some cultivars have a longer taproot than others. I would say the tallest container you can find. At least a foot tall, but I would recommend more.
You can use a regular potting mix, or mix compost in with it. This will be fine.
Here is an article for more information on growing milkweed: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-milkweed.htm
I raise caterpillars to monarchs. I have a lot of milkweed that are getting diseased and getting dark reddish black spots on the leaves that are dangerous for my caterpillars. I found lil tiny red bugs on a lot of the leaves. I’m wondering what they are called and if it’s best to just pull the bad leaves off or pull the plant or trim the plants by cutting the branch which I did today! How can I control this?
This is hard to deal with when you have creatures that you want to keep alive. I would advise using neem oil in a very low dose to spray the plants. This will make the pests leave, and will not kill your caterpillars. They may not be attracted to your plants for a bit, but they will soon return.
It can be difficult to control pests when you have other things that you want to stay alive, unfortunately. There is another option that I could recommend though. You can use predator bugs, such as mantis.
Can you include a photo of the pest? This can help me identify it and possibly recommend the best way to control these.
Something is eating all the leaves off of my milkweed. I don't know what it is and I don't know how to get rid of it .can you help me?
Here is an article on milkweed pests that discusses pros and cons of treatments. Mainly, several bugs are not a serious risk to the plant and are to be allowed to endure. Any type of spray will discourage monarchs from laying eggs on your milkweed. https://monarchbutterflygarden.net/stop-milkweed-pests-ruining-milkweed-monarchs/
Due to our very hot climate and strong sun, where is the best place to grow a milkweed plant? What are there water and soil needs? Most of our landscape is just sand underneath any soil we may put down. It takes a lot of soil and mulch on top of the sand to grow a lot of plants but some native plants will grow in the sandy/coral landscape. Please let me know what you think. I have a seedling (about 5 inches high) and I need to know where to put him so he's happy. Should I keep him in a pot for a while? If so for how long? Thank you, KJ
Every region of the US has different native milkweeds and the conditions they require vary by type. Here is an article that discusses the milkweeds native to the state. The one that is best for sandy soil is butterfly milkweed. All milkweeds have deep taproots so it is best to put your plant out as soon as possible in a sunny location. https://www.floridanativenurseries.org/info/why-plant-native/save-our-monarchs-plant-native-milkweed/
Hi, I am new at planting milkweed in my garden. I have 4 plants, 3 of them are doing OK but the orange milkweed is only 1 1/2 inches high and has not gained any height. All have been in the garden for about 1 month. All are in full sun. The tiny plant is green, has leaves, but is just sitting there not growing. What can I do to give it a boost? - Thank You
The different milkweeds have varying growth rates. Butterfly weed is notorious for being a slow grower and taking 3-4 years to bloom. I think patience is called for. Forming a good taproot is more important than top growth at this stage. Of course, it may be defective and a poor performer; only time will tell. Make sure to keep that taproot watered but not soggy and I would provide some shade on hot days. You can do this with a small yogurt or cottage cheese container or cardboard box with top and bottom removed. Here is a great resource for growing milkweeds from seed. https://monarchbutterflygarden.net/milkweed-plant-seed-resources/asclepias-tuberosa-butterfly-weed/
i have had milkweed (common) growing in my yard for a few years -- all planted by nature. the first year it bloomed, and grew 2 seed pods. the next year there were more plants, and some flowers, but no seedpods. this year there are multiple plants, but no flowers.... is there a reason for this? (someof these plants may come from new seed pods, as i make art with the dry pods and "free" the seeds in the fall )
Different species of milkweed have different growth strategies, so it depends on what species you have. In general, milkweed may not flower in the first year of growth, because it is investing its resources in growing a strong root system. Also, if there is excess nitrogen in the soil the plant may not flower, so do not fertilize milkweed. Finally, milkweed may not bloom if the plant is stressed, such as by drought or excessive heat. Luckily, monarchs will lay their eggs on milkweed even if it is not flowering! The caterpillars eat the leaves of the plant, so your milkweed can still be a host plant without flowers.
I would like to plant some milkweed seeds for Monarch butterflies. However, we must clear our land of brush for wild fire prevention. Is milkweed safe to plant in Nevada County, California, where wildfire is our biggest threat?
I found information by doing a search for "fire resistant plants in Nevada Co, California". Other general info follows from CalFire
http://www.areyoufiresafe.com/files/9413/0083/2949/firewise_plant_booklet_2011_110106.pdf
http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Fire-Safe-Landscaping/
http://www.preventwildfireca.org
As a wildflower, milkweed actually relies on forces of nature for it's seed propagation. In my northern midwest location, the milkweed that grows wild here needs the extremely cold winter in order to germinate. In areas that experience a lot of fire, I know many wildflowers actually rely on the fire for seed their germination. I would guess California milkweeds are the same. After fires have passed they will reseed. I wouldn't worry about the plants, Just the caterpillars, eggs and monarchs. Maybe try a diy butterfly tower in a safe place to rear caterpillars
blog.gardeningknowhow.com/gardening-diy/do-it-yourself-butterfly-tower/