Cutting back milkweed after it blooms - Ask Extension
I've heard that it's okay, even a good idea, to cut back milkweed after it blooms. Would I be potentially harming butterflies if I cut it back now?
Knowledgebase
Cutting back milkweed after it blooms #878344
Asked July 22, 2024, 8:41 PM EDT
I've heard that it's okay, even a good idea, to cut back milkweed after it blooms. Would I be potentially harming butterflies if I cut it back now?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Now is not a good time to cut back milkweed. Monarchs will produce a couple more generations yet this summer. Monarch larvae only eat milkweed leaves. Monarchs will need the milkweed until they migrate in fall.
I cut mine back in late October after a couple of freezes. That is also a good time to collect seed for planting in the fall or next spring. Cutting it back in late fall will also decrease the spread into other areas of the garden.
1.https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/insects/monarchbutterfly.html
2. https://extension.psu.edu/monarchs-and-milkweed/
I cut mine back in late October after a couple of freezes. That is also a good time to collect seed for planting in the fall or next spring. Cutting it back in late fall will also decrease the spread into other areas of the garden.
1.https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/insects/monarchbutterfly.html
2. https://extension.psu.edu/monarchs-and-milkweed/
