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when and how to cut back milkweed

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I have huge ones growing and blooming now but worry it they will re bloom when the monarch migration starts??

Do you cut them back ?

they are over 4' tall!

Thanks!

Featured Answer

docmom_gw

8 years ago

Mary, my understanding is that once the Monarchs go into fall migration mode their reproductive processes shut off. They need to save their energy for the trip south, as well as preserve energy for the long winter and at least one leg of the northward journey when spring rolls around. I'm sure that can vary from one individual to another, but that is what is described by Monarch Watch.

Martha

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Comments (8)

docmom_gw
8 years ago
Personally, I would not cut them back. During the migration, Monarchs can use nectar from many different plants.,so, they don't need to depend on milkweed blooming. The milkweed need their leaves left to absorb sunshine and transfer energy down into their roots for next spring.

Martha
sorie6 zone 6b
Original Author
8 years ago
OK thank you!
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docmom_gw
8 years ago
Those are beautiful plants! Even more reason to not cut them back.
sorie6 zone 6b
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you. They sure grew fast this yr.
agardenstateof_mind
8 years ago
Advice from some of the monarch experts is to cut them back to about 12" in late spring to encourage bushier growth and plenty of tender young leaves for late-season caterpillars. Of course it's too late for that this season.

I've read that cuttings of most milkweed root quite easily. If so, they could serve to expand the garden or give to someone else. I've not tried it ... yet.
Mary Leek
8 years ago
During the fall migration, don't the Monarchs again lay eggs to create new generations to return to Mexico? I've found eggs and raised young Monarch cats during late summer, early fall here in central Arkansas. I assumed the eggs were laid by Monarchs migrating back toward Mexico from northern states.

...Mary
agardenstateof_mind
8 years ago
I second Martha's comments above.

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