Plant Milkweed in the Fall?
Native Plant Conosoure:
Hi! I was wondering if milkweed plugs can be planted in the fall, before the first freeze. Thanks!
Natural Communities:
I would say yes, with one caveat. I would caution you against planting Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed) super-late in the season, i.e. after say the 15th of October. It would probably be OK, but Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed) seems to be the most finicky of the milkweeds around here. Really they should all be fine, but if your really wanting to hedge your best go with Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) or Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed), they seem to overwinter in the pots the best, which is about the most extreme you can get for plants. They are not connected to the ground for warmth nor are they connected for water. So super-cold and dry is not good for plants:)
When plants including milkweeds are planted in the fall like September they send most of their energy into developing roots, this plus the ground provides insulation and moisture over the winter, it gives them a nice place to hibernate and live.
I hope that helps!!!