Tips For Growing Milkweed |

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:

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.
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.
Fold the paper towel into quarters.
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.
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.

Cold Stratification

Milkweed seeds require cold stratification, which involves exposing seeds to cold and moist conditions for at least 30 days to break their dormancy and encourage germination.

Water Germination

To speed up germination, soak seeds in distilled water for 3-5 days (typically 3 days is sufficient). After soaking, plant the seeds directly. I prefer the water germination method because I believe it provides a better germination rate.

I’m also doing an experiment called Jarmination and I love it. Check out my Jarmination page for the technique.

Cold Stratification Process

Materials Needed:

Quart Ziploc Bags
Milkweed Seeds
Damp Paper Towels
Sharpie

Instructions:

Wet a paper towel and lay it flat (should be damp, not soaked).
Sprinkle 10-20 seeds on half of the towel and fold it into quarters.
Place the towel in a Ziploc bag, seal, and label it with the date and seed type.
Refrigerate for 30 days, ensuring the seeds remain undisturbed. Check periodically for sprouts and plant any that have sprouted immediately.

When to Plant Milkweed

Early Spring: In most regions, the best time to plant milkweed is in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. This allows the plants to establish strong roots before the summer heat.
Fall: In some areas, especially where winters are mild, planting milkweed in the fall can be beneficial. This gives the seeds a natural cold stratification period, which is essential for their germination.
Start Indoors: In colder climates, you can start milkweed seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Once the seedlings are strong enough and the weather has warmed up, you can transplant them outside.

Choosing A Planting Site

Full sun and ample space.
Some species (e.g., swamp milkweed, whorled milkweed) grow well in large pots or containers.
Well-draining soil is ideal, though some species prefer higher moisture levels.

How to Plant Milkweed

Scatter seeds on top of the soil and 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, spacing them 18-24 inches apart.
Water after planting and keep soil moist until established.
Add mulch to retain moisture and discourage weeds.

Milkweed Pests & Diseases

Common Pests: Aphids, Milkweed Leaf Beetle, Milkweed Tussock Moth, Red and Black Milkweed Bugs.
Diseases: Leaf Spot, Root Rot, Verticillium Wilt.
Note: Milkweeds are toxic to all mammals and should not be consumed.