Return to the Butterfly Garden Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
Posted by tammyinwv z6/WV (My Page) on Tue, Nov 10, 09 at 11:51
I know this may not be the proper place, but I wanted to make sure I got the attention of those that are interested in butterflies. I posted in the seed exchange forum that I am needing seeds to attract butterflies.
Thanks
Tammy |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
| Are you trying to attract butterflies to nectar sources or to host plants(larvae food)? As far as nectar sources, the only ones that generally grow easy and fast from seed are annuals like Zinnia and Salvia types, etc. For perrennials and others, you may be better off buying a live plant. Nick |
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
I am planning on both. I already have zinnia, and I am receiving salvia and more in a resent swap. But the other items I listed were recommended for a butterfly garden as well.
tammy |
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
| I have some candlestick cassia seeds you can have. It will be an annual for you in West Virginia. E-mail me at nmann@texonlp.com if you are interested. |
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
Thanks for your generous offer Nancy, but I dont think my garden could handle a plant of that size.
Tammy |
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
| Saying that you need seeds to attract butterflies doesn't give a very detailed description about what you're looking for. Yes, obviously we all want something to attract the butterflies, but you have to consider all of the different stages of their lives. The mothers need to find a source of food for the insect larvae, and nectar sources for the adults. You also have to tell us what types of butterflies you want to attract, so we know what types of plants you'll need in your garden for them. Also, keep in mind that just because you'd like to see a certain type of butterfly, that doesn't necessarily mean that it visits your area, so you should try to only select plants for species native to your area. I recommend doing a little research on the different types of butterflies found in your area, and then ask us about plants specifically for those species. |
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
| Hi--Getting some milkweed seed (asclepias) is the first thing most of us do--it's perfect for nectar and is the host plant for the Monarch, which is pretty much everywhere. I wish I had my act together to send you some, but I know myself (super busy working and being a mom). I think my first milkweed was Ice Ballet from good ole Burpee. I think you're in the right direction with zinnias; when I first planted my garden, I wasn't doing it for butterflies, but they loved the zinnias, the milkweed, and the Mexican Sunflowers I had planted. I started taking pictures in order to ID the butterflies because all I knew about butterflies was Monarchs and the little cabbage whites and the sulphurs. The next year I knew what butterflies came and could begin to provide host plants. Have fun with this whole new world and thank you for taking care of the butterflies--they need it! |
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
Thanks bernergrrl, I am trying to gather a lg veriety of seeds for them. I have quite a few zinnias, for next yr, and sunflowers, salvia and more. I recently bought some Florence Fennel from Ebay. Boy did those seeds smell delicious when I opened the outer envelope. Cant wait to smell them in the yard.I am also obtaingin some butterfly bush seeds as well.And like you I have been gardening for many yrs, but just recently became excited about attracting more butterflies in to the gardens.
Tammy |
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
Tammy,
If you want to attract the largest variety of butterflies, it is really smart to provide as many host plants (the plants the caterpillars eat) as you possibly can. Most butterfly gardeners will say the same. Milkweed is a must. Tropical Milkweed is not only a great host plant but a very popular nectar source as well. I plant fennel, dill, and parsley for the Eastern Black Swallowtails. You can grow these herbs from seed or else buy plants in the Spring at your local nursery. Senna or cassia is a terrific host plant for many of the pretty yellow Sulphur butterflies. I have some Sicklepod Senna seed if you would like some. The plants are not really large. Butterfly Bush, Lantana, and Zinnias are really popular nectar sources in my yard. So, in addition to thinking nectar plants, you need to be also thinking host plants. Check out this butterfly book if you want a really good general reference.
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Cycles-Butterflies-Maturity-Visual/dp/1580176178/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258306027&sr=8-1 |
RE: Need seeds to attract butterflies
| | |
| You'll discover that letting weeds happen in your garden and yard is also something of a must--you never know what "weed" is a host for a butterfly. The other thing is to try provide nectar sources for all parts of your season. In my area, early spring can be tough. I depend then on the lawn weeds to help out. |
|
|
|
|
