how tall does milkweed grow

It is tolerant of light shade, but generally is a full sun species. This milkweed grows to about 1.5 meters(5 feet) tall, usually occurring in clusters of stout stems. It has rhizomes and quickly forms colonies. Leaves are 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) long and 5-9 centimeters (2-3.6 inches) wide.

1. Does milkweed spread fast?
2. How fast does milkweed grow?
3. Does milkweed come back every year?
4. Does milkweed need full sun?
5. Where should I plant my milkweed?
6. Is milkweed poisonous to touch?
7. Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?
8. Does milkweed flower the first year?
9. Does milkweed need a lot of water?
10. Does milkweed die in winter?
11. Should milkweed be cut back in the fall?
12. What if Monarch caterpillars run out of milkweed?
13. Will my milkweed grow back after caterpillars?
14. Is common milkweed invasive?
15. How many milkweed seeds should I plant?
16. What grows well with milkweed?
17. Can milkweed grow in shade?
18. Are milkweed plants poisonous?

Does milkweed spread fast?

Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies' favorite plants and will bring many winged friends to your garden or meadow. It can be a challenge to grow but once established it will thrive for years to come and spread quickly. Perennial.

How fast does milkweed grow?

Lightly cover with soil and water well. Seeds should sprout in 1-2 weeks. CARE: Keep soil damp but not excessively wet until plants are 3-5 inches tall. Plants generally do not require supplemental fertilization.

Does milkweed come back every year?

Perennial milkweeds grow back year after year. They provide habitat for traveling Monarch butterflies. If the milkweed is a perennial, like Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed) pictured above, you'll notice tiny leaves growing from the base of the plant at some point after the upper stems have been consumed.

Does milkweed need full sun?

Most milkweed species evolved in open areas where they were exposed to full sunlight and they will do best if they are planted in the sunniest areas of your gardens. A few species, such as A. purpurascens, appear to require partial shade. The timing of the collection of milkweed pods or seeds is critical.

Where should I plant my milkweed?

Plant in full sun locations. Soil: There is a Milkweed variety for every landscape. Common Milkweed grows well in average garden soil. Swamp Milkweed, as its name implies, will do best in a moist environment, making it great for wet meadows or rain gardens.

Is milkweed poisonous to touch?

According to the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at Ohio State University, common milkweed is slightly toxic to humans, but only if eaten in large amounts.

Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?

Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

Does milkweed flower the first year?

In general, milkweed may not flower in the first year of growth, because it is investing its resources in growing a strong root system. ... 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.

Does milkweed need a lot of water?

Water. Common milkweed does not need watering except in the driest conditions.

Does milkweed die in winter?

These native milkweed are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Their aerial parts (flower, leaves, stem) die back but their rootstock remains alive throughout the winter. Cut back milkweed stalks in the late fall or winter, after they have produced seed pods and these seeds have had time to mature.

Should milkweed be cut back in the fall?

It is recommended to prune the milkweed stalks to about 6 inches in height during the fall and winter months to discourage monarchs from establishing winter-breeding colonies. ... Re-cut the milkweed every few weeks as leaves re-sprout.

What if Monarch caterpillars run out of milkweed?

Most enthusiasts have found most success with butternut squash as a substitute for milkweed leaves. Some of the other vegetables that have successfully been fed to Monarch caterpillars in the last instar (last few days) are cucumber, zucchini, and pumpkin.

Will my milkweed grow back after caterpillars?

If the caterpillars have striped your milkweed plant bare can you save the plant to re-grow ? Hi Kelcey, Yes, even if the caterpillars have eaten all the leaves and the plant is just stems, after a while, new leaves will sprout and grow. My milkweed plants have been stripped several times.

Is common milkweed invasive?

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the source of the plant's bad reputation—it's quite invasive. ... These two alternatives do not spread by rhizomes and are employed by monarchs just as often as the common milkweed.” Miriam says that red milkweed will grow in any soil type, but it prefers medium to moist soils.

How many milkweed seeds should I plant?

Sow 2 to 3 seeds in a pot filled with seed-starting mix, cover with ¼ inch of mix, water lightly and set under lights. Germination takes 7 to 10 days. Plant seedlings outside in a sunny spot when they have 3 to 4 sets of leaves and the ground is warm.

What grows well with milkweed?

• Verbena Bonariensis with Any Milkweed Variety. ...
• Blue Tweedia with Dwarf Butterfly Bush. ...
• Purple Salvia with Butterfly Weed. ...
• Mistflower with Shorter Milkweed Varieties. ...
• Butterfly Weed with Tropical Milkweed. ...
• Swamp Milkweed with Swamp Milkweed 'ice ballet' ...
• Whorled Milkweed with Spider Milkweed.

Can milkweed grow in shade?

This milkweed has large, oval, blue-green leaves and spherical clusters of rose-colored flowers at the top of the stem. The blooming period is from May to September. This milkweed prefers sun but is shade-tolerant, and generally grows well in moderately moist soil.

Are milkweed plants poisonous?

Leaves or other above-ground parts of the plant are poisonous. They contain several glucosidic substances called cardenolides that are toxic. Milkweed may cause losses at any time, but it is most dangerous during the active growing season. Several species of milkweed are poisonous to range animals.