Portlanders are quite excited with the news that Monarch butterflies are appearing in Stumptown. Now, main concern is that there is a need of milkweed as without it monarchs do not survive. But there are ways by which people can grow milkweed and help increase the population of monarch butterflies.

Sarina Jepsen, endangered species program director for the Xerces Society, said it is always suggested to plant milkweed that is local. “That's just because plants adapt to varying conditions over time, and we're trying to mimic the historic composition of milkweed and the landscape”, said Jepsen.

The plant does not die in winter. Another pattern witnessed is monarchs are breeding on the milkweed in winters rather than migrating to Mexico. As per experts, this pattern can increase in the coming time.

Jepsen has suggested avoiding tropical Asclepias curassavica milkweed in Portland. She said the organization can help locate native milkweed. For this, Jepsen said report the sightings to the Xerces Society's milkweed survey.

Tom Landis, a retired nursery specialist from the US Forest Service, has a suggestion to make that seeds should be planted in the fall or winter. The seeds need a period of cold to germinate. But if you are planting them in summers then wrap them in a damp towel and refrigerate for some weeks first.

Landis said the only pest that milkweed can experience is the oleander aphid. It has been suggested not to use pesticides, as they are harmful for the plant and the monarchs.