An experience crop
Something to grow. Something to watch.
Milkweed brings a different kind of harvest to our backyard: the chance to watch caterpillars, chrysalises and butterflies up close.
For us, this is an experience crop. The changing plant and the visitors it hosts are part of the story—from striped caterpillars on the leaves to a butterfly beside an empty chrysalis.
Monarchs are most active from March through October in our area.
These photos share a few moments from our own milkweed growing experience in Castaic.
A plant with a story
A milkweed plant can look well-used after caterpillars have visited. Our photos include those bare stems as well as flowers and fresh leaves—it’s all part of what happened in our garden.
Interested in trying milkweed at home? Ask Katie about current plants and availability. Butterfly visits and timing vary; the photos show our experience.
Our milkweed story in photos & videos
Follow the stages in order, from potted milkweed to the butterfly. Press play on either video to watch the transformation.
