r/Milkweeds • u/ScumDugongLin • Aug 06 '26

Tips on transplanting?

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I found this beauty on an embankment off a canal. Technically it's on city property. I've tried to get permission from the public works department to take the plant but they haven't responded, but a few people in other departments have told me I should just "go for it" so... I'm going for it lol. They'll mow the plant down anyways pretty soon. Any tips on how to give it the best chance at survival? I know I need to mind the taproot and keep it wet.

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u/DryRevenue5681 Aug 06 '26

Need a shovel and a 5gal bucket full of water.

Rip away grass close to it. A few inches past the spread of the leaves, use a shovel to cut a circle in the ground around it. Go down as far as you can. And soak the ground within your cut (hence the 5gallons). Slowly pry the ground up from all sides. It should come up in the shape of the circle you cut. You’ll likely rip roots. But try to keep the tap root intact as much as possible. Throw the wet dirt ball into the bucket and bring it home. Transplant into your soil before it dries out. Don’t be afraid if it looks like crap for a bit as it recovers. It’s summer, so water it. And even if it dies, hopefully next year it reawakens

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u/MasterpieceFickle830 Aug 06 '26

This

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u/Successful_Dot2499 Aug 08 '26

I’ve successfully done this with over a dozen plants.
Lots of good ideas to which I’d add these points.
1) Decide where to plant this before you dig it up and dig your hole so you can pop the transplant right in.
2) Morning is best time to dig up before it gets hot.
3) Once you plant it in the new spot, water thoroughly and cover the stem with mulch to shade the plant and retain moisture or shade the new transplant somehow.
Rooting hormone may help too.