I have finally found some fennel seeds. That's not that easy to find around here. Anyway, I have started Fennel, Dill and parsley for the BF's. For the last 2 yrs I've managed to keep some parsley going but this past year the BF's tore it up and I could not find any plants past the spring. So this year, I started my own seeds and am going to plant these 3 herbs all over the place. I had the most wonderful time last year watching them lay their eggs and then hatch. I had DH build me a net to go over some so I keep them safe. I got to release a few too. But i ran out of food and that made me sick. I to have enough this year. I'm even trying to WS some BF weed (don't know the real name).
seeds started
I haven't gotten my fennel and dill seeds in the ground yet, but need to. This week we had a light dusting of snow and my parsley looks like it did fine. It was weighed down with the snow, but that is all. I thought it would die out but it has been green and leafy all winter even with our freezes.
My parlsey did good for 2 years. I had so many BF the 2nd year it couldn't keep up. I really didn't know it would over winter. I plan to plant it everywhere
It might not where you are, but it is worth a try for sure. This was three plants from late summer. Hopefully the quick warm up helped.
This message was edited Mar 7, 2008 10:11 PM
Mine did over winter for 2 years in a pot. I think it would have done better if I had put it in the ground. I did not know that it would over winter. When it was still going the following spring I was surprised. Then it made it through another winter. Each year it didn't do as good though. I think maybe b/c it was in a pot. My goal this year is to till up a spot and put a lot of BF loving plants.
Thanks for reminding me to plant my parsley and fennel seeds! I want a nice plot of them too!
If I recollect correctly, I think some parslies are biennials. I have had them come back again for another year. Other times they were difficult to get through the hot and sunny summers.
I had no idea there were so many kinds of parsley seed available. Here are Thompson & Morgans offerings: http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/search?search=parsley
We'll want to hear more about your new butterfly patch, pdoyle!
Thanks tabasco, I'm gonna give it a try!
pdoyle - You know that those plants only attract certain Swallowtail Butterflies, right? You'll have to grow other types of plants to attract other species of butterflies. I just wanted to make sure that you know that. :-)
Thanks Becky, This is my first year of actually planting things that will attract BF (well, last yr I planted a BF bush) so I'm trying what ever i can find cheaply. I have some Zinnia seeds I'm going to plant when it warms up some. I have planted some Cone Flowers too. I have Black Eyed Susans around. I hope to plant some other things also (money permitting). Each year i'd like to add more stuff.
Hi, pdoyle, BTW, if you are looking for a nice easy butterfly nectar plant that Swallowtails, Monarchs, and other butterflies are bound to love (at least here in Ohio) try Verbena bonarienses.
Seeds are readily available from DGers (sorry I don't have any left) and you can start it by 'wintersowing', or under lights, or direct sowing into the garden, and cuttings, too! I do all four methods. Looks nice with dill, bronze fennel, and zinnias and perennial butterflyweed (asclepias tuberosa).
I am sure someone will offer you some seeds if you are interested in trying it. (I gave all mine away, though, sorry!)
I deffinately would like some seeds! I have written the name down. Hope fully I can find some. I'm going to start some Zinnia seeds tonight when I get home in the GH. i have read BF like them too.
I have one baggie left of a bunch of different nectar and host seeds from our Group Seed Swap in November. Would you like them, pdoyle? If so, d-mail me your mailing info. :-)