Milkweed seeds require cold stratification. Here's what that means. In nature milkweed plants scatter their seeds in late autumn when the coming cold would kill any seedlings that germinated. Milkweed seeds are programmed to delay germination. Exposure to winter temperatures soften or crack their hard outer shells. In late spring, as temperatures rise, their dormancy is broken and they will start to germinate.
Many species of milkweed are quite easy to grow from seed. Head outside in the autumn, or even in the early winter, and sprinkle the seeds around the garden. Burying the seeds can reduce germination rates since milkweed seeds need light to germinate. Just drop the seeds in the garden and press them down with your hand. Once you've sprinkled the seeds over the soil there's nothing else to do but wait. In spring, they'll germinate and begin to grow. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, you can transplant them to different areas of the garden. [If you want to transplant move them before they get big as the root system starts to dig in early.] Be sure the new plants stay well-watered until they're established. Milkweeds are hardy plants that will survive with very little care. (Penn State Extension) If you want to start seeds in the spring, separate them from the coma (white fluff) and store them in a cool area before until you are ready to stratify them to copy the nature process as noted above. In February, carefully place seeds between moist paper towels to be refrigerated for 3-6 weeks before planting. At that time they can be planted. Peat pots make transplanting later easier. Prepare the pot and and gently water until damp. Place a few seeds on top and gently press down with your finger as they need light to germinate. Water gently, as needed, from the bottom. To prevent fungus, don't overwater. They should sprout in about 10-15 days. Put your pots in a sunny window, greenhouse, or under a grow light. These should should germinate and sprout within 10-15 days after planting. Plant out in the garden after last freeze date. It is best to transplant milkweed in the spring when the plant is small. Transplant on a day that is cloudy or during the cooler morning/evening hours. This will make it less stressful on the plant. #milkweed #nativeplants #milkweedseeds #gardening #butterflygardens #monarchbutterflies #monarchs |
AuthorCarol Rhoades Kagan, Chambersburg, PA CategoriesArchives
November 2020
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