When To Plant Milkweed In Texas

If you’re planning a butterfly garden in Texas, knowing when to plant milkweed is your most important first step. Getting the timing right ensures your plants thrive and become a lifesaving resource for monarchs and other pollinators.

This guide gives you the clear, regional advice you need. We’ll break down the best planting windows for your area of Texas and walk you through the simple steps for success.

The short answer is: it depends on where you live and how you’re planting. Texas has several distinct climate zones, from humid east Texas to arid west Texas. The method—seeds, plugs, or transplants—also changes your schedule.

For most of Texas, the ideal times are early spring and early fall. These seasons offer milder temperatures and more reliable moisture, giving plants a chance to establish roots without the extreme stress of summer heat or winter frost.

Texas Regional Planting Guides

Let’s look at the best schedule for your specific region. These are general guidelines, as local weather can vary from year to year.

Central Texas & Hill Country

This region includes Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. The climate is generally mild with hot summers.

Seeds: Sow outdoors in early spring (February to mid-March) or early fall (late September to October). Fall sowing allows seeds to naturally stratify over winter.
Transplants/Plugs: Plant in early spring (March-April) or early fall (late September-October). Avoid summer planting unless you can provide consistent water.

North Texas

This area, including Dallas and Fort Worth, experiences colder winters and a shorter growing season.

Seeds: Best sown in fall (October-November) for natural cold stratification. You can also sow in early spring, after the last frost, typically mid-March.
Transplants/Plugs: Plant after the last frost date, usually from late March through April. Fall planting in September is also excellent.

South Texas & Gulf Coast

With its subtropical climate, regions like Houston, Corpus Christi, and the Valley have long, hot growing seasons.

Seeds: Can be sown almost year-round, but optimal times are fall (October-December) and late winter (January-February). The mild winters allow for great establishment.
Transplants/Plugs: Plant in fall (October-November) or early spring (February-March). Avoid the peak summer heat if possible.

West Texas & Panhandle

This arid region, including El Paso and Amarillo, has low rainfall and wide temperature swings.

Seeds: Sow in early spring (March-April) or in late fall (October) to leverage winter moisture. Irrigation will be crucial.
Transplants/Plugs: Spring planting after frost danger has passed (April-May) is most reliable. Fall planting is risky due to early frosts.

Why Timing Matters for Monarchs

Planting at the right time does more than just help your milkweed grow. It aligns with the monarch butterfly migration. Monarchs arrive in Texas in early spring to lay eggs. Having mature, healthy plants ready for them is critical.

Fall planting ensures well-established plants are waiting for them the following spring. It also provides fuel for the southbound migration in October and November. A late spring planting might mean your plants are too small when the first wave of monarchs come through.

Choosing Your Milkweed: Native Texas Species

Always choose native milkweed species. Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is often sold but can cause problems in Texas by persisting year-round and potentially spreading disease to monarchs. Here are the top native choices:

Antelope Horns (Asclepias asperula): Excellent for Central and West Texas. Drought-tolerant with unique green flowers.
Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis): A common early-season host plant across much of the state.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): A stunning orange-flowered perennial for well-drained soil. Slow to establish but long-lived.
Zizotes Milkweed (Asclepias oenotheroides): Great for South and Central Texas. Very heat and drought tolerant.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Perfect for wet spots or regularly watered gardens in East Texas.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps once your timing is right.

1. Site Selection and Preparation

Milkweed needs full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Prepare the soil by removing grass and weeds. Most native milkweeds prefer well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay, consider raising the bed with compost to improve drainage.

2. Planting Seeds

Starting from seeds is economical but requires patience. Many native milkweed seeds need cold stratification (a period of cold, moist conditions) to germinate.

For fall planting: Simply scatter seeds on prepared soil in late fall and lightly press them in. Winter weather will stratify them naturally.
For spring planting: You must stratify seeds yourself. Mix seeds with slightly damp sand in a sealed bag and refrigerate for 3-6 weeks before sowing in spring.
Sow seeds on the soil surface and press them gently; they need light to germinate. Keep the area moist until seedlings appear.

3. Planting Transplants or Plugs

This is the faster route to a mature plant.

Water the plug thoroughly before planting.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep.
Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and firm it gently.
Water deeply immediately after planting. Space plants about 1-2 feet apart, depending on the species.

4. Initial Care and Maintenance

Consistent water is key for the first growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week to encourage deep roots. Once established, most native milkweeds are very drought-tolerant. Avoid fertilizer; it can actually harm the plants and make them less attractive to caterpillars.

Expect insects to eat the leaves—that’s the point! You’ll see chewed leaves from monarch and queen caterpillars. This is a sign of a healthy garden ecosystem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good timing, a few errors can set your plants back. Here’s what to watch for.

Planting too deep: This is especially crucial for seeds. They need light, so don’t bury them.
Overwatering established plants: After the first year, let rainfall handle it except in extreme drought. Soggy soil can cause root rot.
Using pesticides: Never use any insecticide, even organic ones like neem oil, on your milkweed. It will kill the caterpillars you’re trying to support.
Choosing the wrong species: Repeating for emphasis: avoid Tropical Milkweed in Texas. Stick to the natives listed above.

Year-Round Milkweed Garden Care

Your work isn’t done after planting. A little seasonal care keeps your garden going strong.

Spring: Watch for new growth and monarch arrivals. Cut back any dead stems from last year.
Summer: Monitor for aphids. Blast them off with a strong spray of water instead of using any soap or spray. Provide water during extended dry spells.
Fall: Let the plants form seed pods. Collect pods if you wish to share seeds, but leave some to self-sow. Watch for migrating monarchs.
Winter: In most of Texas, milkweed will die back. Leave the dead stems standing until spring as they provide overwintering habitat for insects.

FAQ: Your Texas Milkweed Questions Answered

Can I plant milkweed in the summer in Texas?

It’s not ideal. The intense heat and drought stress make establishment very difficult. If you must, use potted transplants and be prepared to water almost daily. Early fall is a much better choice.

Where can I find native milkweed plants in Texas?

Look for local native plant sales, specialized nurseries, or botanical gardens. Many online retailers now sell native Texas milkweed plugs. Avoid big box stores, as they often primarily sell the non-native tropical variety.

How long does it take for milkweed to grow from seed?

It varies by species. Some may germinate in a few weeks, while others can take months. First-year growth is often slow as the plant develops a strong root system. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get flowers the first year; the plant is still providing food for caterpillars.

Will milkweed come back every year?

Yes! All the native milkweeds listed are herbaceous perennials. They will die back to the ground in winter and resprout from their roots in spring. A single planting can last for many years.

What else should I plant with my milkweed?

Create a complete habitat by adding nectar plants for adult butterflies. Great Texas-native choices include Gregg’s Mistflower, Lantana (native varieties), Fall Aster, and various Coneflowers. This provides food for all life stages and makes your garden even more beautiful.

By following this timing and planting advice, you’ll give your milkweed the best start. A successful milkweed patch is the heart of any Texas butterfly garden. With a little patience and the right schedule, you’ll soon be hosting monarchs and contributing to their incredible journey. Your garden will become a vital link in the chain of life that stretches across the continent.