Butterfly Weed

What you'll need:

Butterfly weed seeds or young plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A sunny spot in your garden or a large pot with drainage holes

Well-draining soil (a mix of regular garden soil and sand works well)

A small trowel or hand shovel

Watering can

When to start:

Butterfly weed loves warmth, so it’s best planted in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up. If you’re starting from seed, you can sow them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.

Choosing the right spot:

Butterfly weed thrives in full sun—aim for a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It doesn’t like soggy soil, so make sure the area drains well. If you're planting in a pot, ensure it has plenty of drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Tip: If your soil tends to hold water, mix in some sand or gravel to improve drainage.

If you have seeds:

1. Start by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to help them germinate faster.
2. Fill small pots or seed trays with a mix of soil and sand.
3. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
4. Water gently but thoroughly, keeping the soil moist but not soaked.
5. Place the pots in a warm, sunny spot indoors until the seedlings are a few inches tall.
6. Once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have grown a bit, they’re ready to be transplanted outside.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Gently place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill with soil, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets.
4. Water the plant immediately after planting.

Spacing:

• If planting multiple Butterfly weeds, space them about 1 to 2 feet apart to give them room to grow.

Watering:

• Butterfly weed is drought-tolerant once established, but while it’s young, water it regularly to help it get settled.
• After the first few weeks, you can reduce watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings—this plant doesn’t like to sit in wet soil.

Sunlight:

• Make sure your Butterfly weed gets plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours a day. The more sun, the better it will bloom!

Feeding:

• Butterfly weed doesn’t need much fertilizer. In fact, too much can harm it. If you feel the need to feed it, use a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.

Pruning & Deadheading:

• To encourage more blooms, you can deadhead (remove) spent flowers. Simply pinch off the faded blooms just below the flower head.
• After the blooming season, you can cut back the stems to about 6 inches above the ground to tidy up the plant.

Tip: Avoid overwatering! This plant prefers drier conditions, so err on the side of caution if you’re unsure.

Butterfly weed isn’t typically “harvested” like vegetables or fruits, but you can enjoy its beautiful orange blooms throughout the summer. However, if you’d like to collect seeds for next year:

1. Let the flowers fade naturally, and seed pods will form in their place.
2. Once the pods turn brown and begin to crack open (usually in late summer or fall), it’s time to collect the seeds.
3. Open the pod and remove the seeds. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them again.

Attracting Butterflies: One of the best things about Butterfly weed is its ability to attract monarch butterflies and other pollinators. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you see these beautiful insects visiting your garden!

Q: Why are my Butterfly weed leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering. Butterfly weed prefers dry soil, so make sure you’re not watering too frequently. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

Q: Can I grow Butterfly weed in a pot?

A: Yes, you can! Just make sure the pot is large enough (at least 12 inches in diameter) and has good drainage. Use a sandy, well-draining soil mix to mimic its natural environment.

Q: Does Butterfly weed spread?

A: Butterfly weed can self-seed if you leave the seed pods on the plant. If you don’t want it to spread, remove the seed pods before they open.

Q: My Butterfly weed isn’t blooming. What should I do?

A: Butterfly weed may take a year or two to establish itself before blooming heavily. Ensure it’s getting enough sunlight (at least 6 hours a day) and avoid over-fertilizing, which can inhibit flowering.

Q: Is Butterfly weed invasive?

A: No, Butterfly weed is not considered invasive. While it can self-seed, it’s easy to control by removing unwanted seedlings or seed pods.