How to Grow Milkweed in Pots

 

Milkweed plant is considered as an unwanted specimen in the landscape and can also be invasive, but they can be grown in container.

There are over one hundred species of milkweeds that grow in North America, and not actually all of them are hosts for the Monarch. Some draw Monarchs for nectar, but butterfly lovers are likely looking for those plants that encourage the dropping of tiny eggs on them. Let us take a look at some that are native or naturalized plants and that can grow successfully in pots;

1.    The tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica): The tropical milkweed has naturalized in warmer areas of the United State and is a favorite of the Monarch butterfly. The tropical milkweed has also provides nectar for them and many other types of butterflies. Those in cooler areas may grow this as an annual plant, and it may return in protected areas, or reseed. Container grown plants sport additional branches in their second year and a long bloom period in summer.

2.    The whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata): The whorled milkweed is a larval host plant that grows in dry or sandy soils, this whorled milkweed is hardy in USDA zones 4a to 10b. This plant blooms summer through fall and also provides food for caterpillars as well as adult Monarchs and is a great milkweed in planters.

3.    The swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate): The swamp milkweed is “known to be high up in the Monarchs preference list.” Native to most of the United State, you will want to include this one if you are attempting to draw butterflies to a wet area. This specimen does not actually have a taproot, another advantage for container growing.  

4.    The showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): The showy milkweed flowers are fragrant and pretty. Best confined to a container because of its invasive tendency. Grows in western United State to Canada and is equivalent to common milkweed in the east. The showy milkweed actually needs a 5-gallon or larger container.

 

How to Grow Milkweed Plant in a Container

 Actually, growing milkweed plant in pots is the preferable method of growth for some. Container-grown milkweed plant can be overwintered in a building or garage and placed back outside in spring. It is advised to combine potted milkweeds plants with nectar-rich flowers in the same container in other to provide necessary nourishment to the Monarch and other butterflies. This really encourages them to return to the area where containers are, so locate them near a seating area where you can best enjoy them. You can use a large plastic container for ease of moving and winter storage. You can use a light-colored one that is deep, as the root systems of the milkweed plants can grow large. Some of the plants have large taproots. A rich and well-draining soil encourages the best performance of the milkweed plants. You can easily start the plant from seed.