Butterfly bush (Gaura lindheimeri) is a gorgeous flowering plant that attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to the garden With its long blooming spires of white, pink, or red flowers from early summer to fall, butterfly bush makes a great addition to beds, borders, and containers It’s also very easy to grow butterfly bush from seeds.
When and Where to Plant Butterfly Bush Seeds
Butterfly bush is a fast-growing perennial in zones 5-9. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil Start butterfly bush seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected spring frost date
Butterfly bush can reach 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity Give each plant about 3 feet of space all around Butterfly bush looks beautiful planted in groups of 3-5 plants or in a long border, It also grows well in containers,
How to Start Butterfly Bush Seeds Indoors
Starting butterfly bush seeds indoors gives the plants time to establish before being moved outside. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Use Seed Starting Mix and Containers
Fill seed starting trays or small pots with a lightweight, soilless seed starting mix. Moisten the mix well before planting.
Peat or paper pots are ideal because you can transplant the seedling without disturbing the roots. If using other containers, choose ones with drainage holes.
2. Plant Seeds Just Below the Surface
Butterfly bush seeds need light to germinate. Plant the large seeds just below the surface of the starting mix, about 1/8 inch deep. Gently water to moisten the soil after planting.
Cover trays or pots with plastic wrap or a seed starting dome to maintain even moisture levels.
3. Provide Warmth and Light
Keep seeded trays or pots in a warm place with temperatures around 70-75°F. The top of a refrigerator or water heater work well. You can also use a heating mat designed for seed starting.
Once sprouted, move to an area with full sunlight or under grow lights. LED grow lights work well for starting seeds indoors. Keep lights 2-4 inches above the seedlings and on for 14-16 hours per day.
4. Monitor Moisture and Growth
Butterfly bush seeds typically sprout in 7-21 days. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Remove the plastic or dome once sprouts emerge.
Thin overcrowded seedlings to the strongest plant every 2 inches. Transplant seedlings once they reach 3-4 inches tall and have 2 sets of true leaves.
How to Transplant Butterfly Bush Seedlings
Butterfly bush doesn’t like its roots disturbed, so take extra care when transplanting seedlings outside:
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Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting. Set containers outdoors in partial shade for a few hours each day. Gradually increase time outside.
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Transplant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to avoid wilting.
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Dig holes the same depth as the pot and twice as wide. Carefully remove from pots, keeping the root ball intact.
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Backfill holes with native soil, firming gently around roots. Water well after transplanting.
Ongoing Butterfly Bush Care
Butterfly bush is one of the easiest perennials to grow. It thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal care. Just be sure to:
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Water occasionally during the first summer, about 1 inch per week. Established plants are very drought tolerant.
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Fertilize lightly in spring if soil is poor. Compost or balanced organic fertilizer works fine.
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Cut back by about 1/3 after flowering to encourage reblooming.
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Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.
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Prune old stems near the base each spring to maintain an tidy shape.
Butterfly bush self-seeds readily. Cut off spent flower spikes if you don’t want volunteer seedlings around the garden. Also remove unwanted seedlings when small to prevent spreading.
Troubleshooting Butterfly Bush Problems
Butterfly bush is not prone to many pests or diseases. Here are a few potential issues to watch for:
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Aphids – Check developing buds and undersides of leaves for small, green or black soft-bodied insects. Knock them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
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Powdery Mildew – This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on leaves and shoots. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage when watering. Remove affected parts promptly.
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Rust – Reddish-orange spots on upper surfaces of leaves. Prevent by spacing plants well and avoiding overhead watering. Remove and destroy affected foliage.
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Failure to bloom – Butterfly bush needs full sun and low fertility to flower. Insufficient sunlight or overfeeding with nitrogen can prevent blooming.
Enjoy the Butterflies!
With its graceful form, non-stop flowers, and carefree growth, butterfly bush is an excellent plant for gardens across the country. Starting a few plants from seed is an easy, inexpensive way to add this pollinator-magnet to your outdoor space. Plant butterfly bush seeds this spring and enjoy the show!
Starting Seeds!! BERRY BUSHES & BUTTERFLY BUSH!
FAQ
Is a butterfly bush easy to grow from seed?
Do butterfly bush seeds need cold stratification?
How do you plant butterfly seeds?
How to grow butterfly bush seeds?
The best way to sow butterfly bush seeds is by scattering them on the surface of the potting mix. The small seeds require a shallow depth to grow properly. You can press in the seeds using gentle motions. As far as watering, your mission is to keep the medium moist but never wet or dry. This will ensure a healthy germination process. 3.
How do you grow a butterfly bush?
Butterfly bush seeds require a well-draining and nutrient-rich growing medium. Fill seed trays or pots with a mixture of peat moss and perlite, or use a commercial seed-starting mix. Moisten the growing medium before sowing the seeds. Sprinkle the butterfly bush seeds on the surface of the moistened growing medium.
How to propagate butterfly bushes?
Keep reading to learn how to propagate butterfly bushes. One method for propagating butterfly bush is by growing seeds. You can grow butterfly bushes from seed, but it’s usually quicker and easier to propagate butterfly bush cuttings. Seeds need to be pre-chilled for up to four weeks prior to planting.
Can butterfly bush plants be planted directly on the ground?
Sowing butterfly bush plants directly on the ground isn’t recommended because butterfly bush seeds are invasive and may take over your entire garden. Container gardening is a better option than direct sowing. Start butterfly bush seeds in pots or trays so you have control. When starting butterfly bush seeds, ensure you have enough space and soil.