MONARCH BUTTERFLY
Life Cycle
Monarch butterflies undergo a complete metamorphosis, meaning they have four distinct life stages - egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. The life cycle of Monarchs takes about one month to complete, with the adult butterfly living for another two to six weeks.
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Migration
Monarch butterflies are famous for their long-distance migration, with some individuals traveling over 3,000 miles to overwinter in warmer climates. These migrations typically take place between August and November and can be seen across North America.
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Decline in Population
Unfortunately, Monarch butterfly populations have been declining in recent years due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. This decline has sparked conservation efforts to protect the species and its habitat, such as planting native narrow-leaved milkweed (the sole host plant for Monarch caterpillars) and reducing pesticide use.
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How to Plant Your Native Narrow-leaved Milkweed
1. In a sunny location, dig a hole 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep. Fill the hole with water and allow it to soak into the soil.
2. Mix two heaping handfuls of 'Planting Mix' mulch and two teaspoons of fertilizer into the soil that was removed from the hole. Make a mound of lightly packed soil/mulch/fertilizer blend in the center of the hole. 3. Remove the Milkweed from the pot by turning the pot over and knocking it against your palm. The plant should drop out of the pot into your hand. 4. Place the plant onto the mound in the center of the hole and check to see that it is ½ and inch higher than the surrounding garden soil. If not, adjust the height of the mound in the center of the hole by adding or removing soil from the mound. 5. Fill in the hole with the remaining soil/mulch/fertilizer blend and lightly pat it down. Smooth a ½" layer of the soil/mulch/fertilizer blend over the root ball of the plant to prevent it from drying out - but not thicker than that. 6. Create a basin around the plant by making a ridge of soil in an 18" diameter ring around the plant. Fill the basin with water and allow it to soak into the soil. Fill and drain the basin three times total. |
Garden Care Tips
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GENERAL TIPS FOR UPKEEP OF NATIVE NARROW-LEAVED MILKWEED PLANTS
Water
For the first two weeks, water the plant every other day by filling the basin with water and allowing it to soak into the soil. For the next two months, water the plant three times per week. After that, the plant can be watered twice per week.
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Sunlight
Full sun to part shade
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Pests
Host to aphids for which treatment is not necessary. Do not use pesticides on this plant because it will harm Monarch caterpillars.
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