Cold Stratification

Milkweed Seeds require cold stratification. Cold stratification, also known as seed stratification, is the process of exposing seeds to cold and moist conditions to encourage germination and breaks the seeds out of their dormancy cycle. Cold stratification for the Milkweed seeds should be at least 30 days.

Water Germination

To speed things up for getting your seeds ready to plant, you can use water germination. Soak your seeds in a container with distilled water for 1-5 days. I normally soak the seeds for 3-5 days. After the seeds have soaked, remove the seeds from the container and plant. I’m also doing an experiment called Jarmination and I love it. Check out my blog post for the technique on Jarmination.

When to Plan Milkweed

• Milkweed can be grown from seed or transplants.
• Start seeds indoors about 4 to 8 weeks before your last frost date in the spring.
• Alternatively, sow seeds directly into the garden soil in the fall or in early spring.

Choosing A Planting Site

• Milkweed plants require full sun and a lot of space. Although, some milkweed species, like swamp milkweed, whorled milkweed, or butterfly weed will grow well in a large pot or container.
• Milkweed does best in well-draining soil, although some species, like swamp milkweed or aquatic milkweed, prefer to grow in soil with higher moisture levels.

Cold Stratification Process

Materials Needed:

• Quart Ziploc Bags
• Milkweed Seeds
• Damp Paper Towels
• Sharpie

Instructions:

1. Wet a paper towel and lay it on a flat surface. The Paper towel should be damp too much water may cause the seeds to mold inside the bag.
2. Sprinkle 10-20 milkweed seeds on the paper towel. It is best to sprinkle the seeds onto half of the paper towel so that when it is folded, the seeds will not overlap.
3. Fold the paper towel into quarters.
4. Place the paper towel into the Ziploc bag, seal the bag, and label it. Label the bag with the date and type of milkweed seed.
5. Place the seeds in the refrigerator for 30 days. Make sure the seeds are in a safe place in the refrigerator, so they are not disturbed. Set a reminder on your calendar to check the seeds in a few weeks to see if there are any sprouts. If any of the seeds do have sprouts you can plant those seeds immediately. If not, just check the seeds again at the end of the 30 days and then plant.

How to Plant Milkweed

• Scatter seeds on top of the soil an cover with about 1/4 inch of soil.
• Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days.
• Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
• Transplant seedlings when 3-6 inches tall.
• Plant transplants in blocks rather than long rows. Plant milkweed 18-24 inches apart.
• Water after planting and keep soil moist until plants are established.
• Add mulch around the plants to keep the soil moist and discourage weeds.

Milkweed Pests & Diseases

• Aphids
• Milkweed Leaf Beetle
• Milkweed Tussock Moth
• Red and Black Milkweed Bugs
• Leaf Spot
• Root Rot
• Verticillium Wilt
• Milkweeds are toxic to all mammals and should not be consumed.