Do your part to support declining monarch butterfly populations by planting these free milkweed seeds.
Monarch butterflies are a thrilling sight with their huge, bewitching black and orange wings.
Monarch butterflies are also a key food source in the ecosystem and an indicator of environmental health.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
In fact, in December 2024, the U.S. ## Why is milkweed important to monarchs?
Milkweed is a perennial flower native to North America that thrives in many ecosystems.
This makes it essential for helping the next generation of monarchs grow and hatch each season.
Credit:Adrienne Legault / BHG
Some notable organizations that send free seeds includeLive Monarch,Monarch Watch, andLittle Wings.
Live Monarch
Live Monarch has been helping to increase monarch butterfly populations since 2003.
To get free seeds, mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address listed on theirseed request page.
Credit:Adrienne Legault / BHG
You’ll receive 15 or more milkweed seeds for your region.
Monarch Watch
Monarch Watch offersfree milkweed plugs for habitat restoration projects.
You must have two acres or 1/4 of an acre in California to participate.
To apply, applicants must share their land management plan.
The cost for shipping is modest (about 20 to 40 cents per plant).
Little Wings
Little Wings alsoprovides free milkweed seeds through its website.
Once you navigate to the site, tap the “add to cart” button on the available seeds.
After your free milkweed seeds are in the cart, add your shipping info.
Your milkweed seeds should arrive in 1-2 weeks, and you might start planting.
throughout the United States.
When planting milkweed, have a go at find a suitable variety for your location.
This way, you don’t encounter issues with seasonality, weather conditions,or winter hardiness.
Scatter the seeds outdoors where you want them to grow in the fall.
They won’t sprout until they’ve been exposed to freezing temperatures.
Once spring comes, the seeds will be ready to start growing.
They may not bloom the first year, but they’ll still have leaves for monarch caterpillars.
To plant milkweed seeds in spring, start them indoors in late winter or early spring.
One method of stratifying milkweed seeds is to place them on a moist paper towel in a plastic baggie.
Leave the baggie in the fridge for 6-8 weeks, then sow the seeds in small pots.
In addition to milkweed, adult monarchs love nectar-rich plants likelantana,rudbeckia, andyarrow.
These flowering plants make it easy tobeautify your gardenandhelp monarch butterflies.
If you are concerned about managing its spread, consider growing it in a container or confined spot.
Milkweed is a tough perennial that needs little care but a lot of sunshine.
Look for a sunny spot with well-drained soil that won’t be disturbed by pesticides.
Monarch butterfly proposed for endangered species act protection| U. S. Fish & wildlife service.
Milkweed for Monarchs - Native Plant Habitats.
