Buddleia is an easy and fast-growing shrub, that will suit any garden where there is sun and well-drained soil.
There are larger and smaller varieties, good for borders and pots. Commonly known as the butterfly bush, the flower heads are full of nectar and are a magnet for many insects.
Flowers come in a wide range of colours including purple, blue, pink and white and even yellow. Flowers appear continuously for around four to six weeks in late summer.
Butterfly bushes, also known as Buddleia, are beloved flowering shrubs that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to gardens with their nectar-rich blooms Growing butterfly bushes from seeds is an easy, affordable way to add these beautiful plants to your landscape With proper care, you can go from seed to blossom in just one growing season.
When to Plant Butterfly Bush Seeds
Butterfly bush is a perennial plant suited to USDA zones 5-9. It can be grown as an annual in colder zones. The ideal time to start butterfly bush seeds depends on your climate:
- In zones 5-6, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
- In warmer zones 7-9, you can sow seeds directly in the garden 2-4 weeks before your average last frost date.
Outdoor planting time is usually late spring to early summer. Avoid sowing seeds in mid to late summer, as young plants may not have time to establish before winter.
How to Start Butterfly Bush Seeds Indoors
Starting butterfly bush seeds indoors gives plants an early start on the growing season Here’s how
Gather Supplies
- Butterfly bush seeds
- Seed starting mix
- Cell packs, seed trays, or small pots
- Plastic dome or bag for covering
- Grow lights (optional)
Prepare Cell Packs
Fill cell packs or trays with moistened seed starting mix. Gently press seeds onto the surface of the soil. Cover seeds lightly with 1/8 inch more mix.
Provide Warmth
Place seeded trays on heat mats or near other sources of gentle bottom heat. Keep soil evenly moist.
Allow Time to Germinate
Butterfly bush seeds can take 14-28 days to sprout. Be patient! Once sprouted, move to a sunny window or under grow lights.
Transplant Outdoors
In 6-8 weeks, transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off for 7-10 days. Space plants 12-24 inches apart in full sun.
How to Direct Sow Butterfly Bush Seeds
Butterfly bush also grows well when seeds are directly sown in the garden. Follow these steps:
Prepare the Soil
Loosen soil and mix in compost or aged manure in planting beds. Remove any weeds. Rake smooth.
Sow Seeds Outdoors
Once spring soil temperatures reach 60°F, sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in rows or clusters, 12-24 inches apart.
Maintain Moisture
Water gently daily until sprouted, keeping soil moist but not soaked. Thin seedlings to strongest ones.
Allow Time to Grow
It may take up to 4 weeks for outdoor sown seeds to sprout. New plants will bloom in mid to late summer in warm climates.
How to Care for Butterfly Bush Seedlings
Butterfly bush plants grow quickly from seeds. Here are some tips for care:
- Water 1-2 times per week until established. Avoid wet leaves.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced 10-10-10 formula.
- Prune leggy or overgrown plants in early spring.
- Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to conserve moisture.
- Stake tall varieties if needed.
Achieving the Best Results from Seeds
Follow these tips for success growing butterfly bushes from seeds:
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Purchase fresh seeds from reputable sources. Old seeds often fail to germinate.
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Stratify seeds by refrigerating for 4 weeks before planting. This helps break dormancy.
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Start more seeds than you need. Germination rates vary. Discard weak seedlings.
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Be patient! Seeds can take up to 4 weeks to sprout. Don’t give up too soon.
With proper planting, care, and patience, you can grow vigorous butterfly bush plants from seeds. Enjoy watching delicate winged visitors flock to your garden all season long once these fragrant beauties begin flowering.
How to care for buddleia
If left to their own devices, buddleias can grow huge. They flower on new season’s growth, so give plants a hard prune in April or May, to cut out all the dead wood and maintain a good shape. This also encourages later flowering, which is good for butterflies such as the small tortoiseshell.
Watch Monty Don demonstrate how to prune a buddleia, in this Gardeners’ World clip: Green Video Post Element Video ID: “0421ec30c745389342d452c6daaeb65d562dfae8” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Suite settings) might be invalid.
A high potash feed in spring will boost the flowering potential of your buddleia, but keep deadheading for a long-lasting flowering period. This will also prevent any unwanted spread of buddleia seedlings.
Watch Monty Don demonstrate how to deadhead buddleia in this clip from Gardeners’ World: Green Video Post Element Video ID: “f6e364aaca205a1c9499e1c6bd9c33f2162a3b55” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Suite settings) might be invalid.
How to grow buddleia (butterfly bush)
Grow buddleia in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Deadhead flowers to encourage more to form and cut back hard in late spring to prevent the shrub from becoming too big. This will also ensure flowering occurs slightly later in the season, meaning there is plenty of pollen and nectar available for butterflies in late summer.
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Starting Seeds!! BERRY BUSHES & BUTTERFLY BUSH!
FAQ
How do you plant butterfly seeds?
Sprinkle onto the surface of the soil and lightly compress the seeds without covering them. Germination will take about two to three weeks. Transplant outdoors about 2 weeks after the final frost date.
Can you direct sow butterfly bush seeds?
To germinate, you can direct sow seeds ¼ inch deep in place in the fall. The cold and wet over-winter conditions will help break the seed coat down, and the seedlings will germinate in the following spring. Alternatively, you can start seeds indoors in late winter/early spring.
What month do you plant butterfly bushes?
Spacing: Space plantss 5 to 10 feet apart depending on the variety. Plant dwarf varieties closer together. Planting: Plant in early spring or fall. If planting in midsummer in hot climates, be sure to provide plenty of water and even some afternoon shade.
When should I plant butterfly garden seeds?
Planting Time
Start Butterfly Flower seeds indoors 8 – 10 weeks prior to the end of frost season.
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 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.
How do you germinate a butterfly bush?
It is also beneficial to scarify the seed coat by lightly scraping or sanding it to enhance germination. Stratification: Butterfly bush seeds require a period of cold stratification to break the seed dormancy and stimulate germination. Place the cleaned seeds in a ziplock bag with a moistened paper towel and refrigerate them for about four weeks.
Can you plant a butterfly bush 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.
How do you start a butterfly bush?
Start butterfly bush seeds in pots or trays so you have control. When starting butterfly bush seeds, ensure you have enough space and soil. To maximize the plant’s growth, use a pot that’s 12-18 inches deep and wide. You’ll want drainage holes and a rich potting mix since this is a hungry and fast-growing herb.
Can you collect seeds from a butterfly bush?
Collecting seeds from a mature butterfly bush is a viable option for those who want to propagate the plant themselves. The process of collecting seeds from a butterfly bush is relatively straightforward and can be done by following a few simple steps.