Milkweed seed can be planted directly in soil, or started indoors. You can sow milkweed seeds by scattering them on the soil surface 1/4-1/2 inch apart, and then cover them with about 1/4 inch of additional soil. Water the area frequently after planting until plants become established. Many species need to be vernalized (cold treated) before planting. Vernalized seeds can be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Non-vernalized seeds can be planted in the fall, and nature will provide the cold treatment. SeeMonarch Watch's milkweed propagation guidefor further recommendations,information on vernalization and instructions for starting milkweed seeds indoors. Also watch our MonarchConservation Webinar:Growing Milkweed for Monarch Conservation(scroll down to May 2016) to hear from Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch on milkweed growing techniques and best practices.For further details on milkweed growing and conservation use, visit theXerces Society's Milkweed Practicitoner Guide, which is a complete guide to milkweeds, including biology/ecology, propagation, benefits to wildlife, and use in restoration projects.
FAQs
How to grow milkweed from seed? ›
You can sow milkweed seeds by scattering them on the soil surface 1/4-1/2 inch apart, and then cover them with about 1/4 inch of additional soil. Water the area frequently after planting until plants become established. Many species need to be vernalized (cold treated) before planting.
How long does it take for milkweed seeds to come up? ›Expect milkweed to germinate slowly.
Don't get discouraged if it's taking a while! It can take 10 days to sprout in ideal conditions, but can take a month or more if conditions aren't ideal. Follow these tips to have your milkweed grow from a seedling to a beautiful garden!
Like most wildflowers, milkweed is easy to grow and requires very little pampering. Most species are not seriously bothered by heat, drought, deer or other pests. And because milkweed is a native plant that tolerates poor soils, fertilization isn't necessary.
How do you speed up milkweed germination? ›But others recommend giving the seeds a cold and moist environment (a process called cold stratification) for period of a few days to months, followed by warmth to promote germination. Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is widespread in the western US and an important larval food plant for monarch butterflies.
Should I soak milkweed seeds before planting? ›In an effort to improve germination rates, many gardeners place the seeds in packets made from paper towels and soak them in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting.
Can I just throw milkweed seeds? ›Or, if you prefer, you can simply throw them out by the handful. Depending on your area and garden style, either method will work. If you do scatter them loosely by hand, come spring when the seeds start to germinate you may want to thin them out if they are extremely close together.
Will milkweed bloom first year from seed? ›Please note that newly established plants may not flower and produce seed in their first year. If female monarchs pass through your area, they will still be able to find the plants (to lay eggs on them) even if they do not have flowers.
Where not to plant milkweed? ›These 'no milkweed' zones include along the California coast within 5 miles of monarch overwintering grounds north of Santa Barbara, and within 1 mile of overwintering grounds south of Santa Barbara. It also includes high elevation forests (~above 9,000 feet).
Will milkweed come back every year? ›These native milkweed are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Their aerial parts (flower, leaves, stem) die back but their rootstock remains alive throughout the winter. Cut back milkweed stalks in the late fall or winter, after they have produced seed pods and these seeds have had time to mature.
What month do you plant milkweed? ›Soil moisture and temperature are very important when growing Milkweed. The best time to put in Milkweed plants is in early spring after the danger of frost has passed, while the best time to plant milkweed from seed is in late fall - this allows mother Nature to take care of the cold stratification for you!
Is there a downside to milkweed? ›
Be aware of Milkweed's seed pods and remove them before they open otherwise they'll spread seeds all over your garden and can be quite invasive. Milkweed leaves and roots are toxic to humans and pets.
What is the problem with planting milkweed? ›Tropical milkweed has been implicated in higher parasite loads of the protozoan OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha), which is transferred to the monarch caterpillars and eventually their offspring. OE can be fatal to monarchs, or it can make them unable to fly long distances to migrate.
What helps milkweed grow? ›Choose a sunny location: Most species prefer full sun and will not grow well in shaded areas. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-drained soil: Most Milkweed plants prefer well-drained soil.
Why won't my milkweed seeds germinate? ›It is possible the seeds were not scarified by keeping them in a cold place. If they were kept warm all they will not sprout. Milkweed seeds need to go through a chilling period before germination. The swamp milkweed sprouted but the other did not so it could also be the seeds were kept too wet or too dry.
What is the best way to plant milkweed seeds? ›It is best to plant the seeds as early as possible, but make sure that you plant after the last frost. Sow milkweed seeds by scattering them on the soil surface 1/4-1/2 inch apart, and then cover with about 1/4 inch of additional soil. Water frequently after planting until plants become established.
Does milkweed come back every year? ›These native milkweed are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Their aerial parts (flower, leaves, stem) die back but their rootstock remains alive throughout the winter. Cut back milkweed stalks in the late fall or winter, after they have produced seed pods and these seeds have had time to mature.
Why is milkweed illegal? ›MARIN CO., Calif. (BCN) — Agriculture officials in Marin County banned the sale of non-native tropical milkweed this week, according to the county agriculture commission.