You can’t have monarch butterflies without specific milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.), and with the recent decline of monarch populations, we need to protect this vital, host larvae plant. In addition to our beloved monarchs, birds, bees, spiders, beetles, and other beneficial insects also rely on milkweed. I’ll show you the right timing for collecting milkweed seeds from existing plants and how to sow the seeds.
Also see How to Sow Seeds Indoors for Outdoor Plants for other types of seeds.

Growing Milkweed
It’s never easy to get the message out about threats to the environment and endangered species. News like this can seem both abstract and overwhelming. Plus, there are so many attention-worthy issues and you never know which ones will catch fire.
Both bees and monarchs have managed to make headlines in recent years, as their populations have faced numerous struggles.
And, while their declining populations are just one symptom of a larger problem, anything that brings awareness and positive action is welcome.
The ultimate dream for those of us who love nature—and realize that without it we’re toast is—everything matters. Good bugs. Bad bugs. All species. Everything has evolved together to create interdependent life on earth. The more we reduce pollution, grow sustainably, and protect habitat, the better off we all will be.
Jump to
How to Collect Milkweed Seeds
and
How to Sow Milkweed Seeds
Milkweed Facts
Milkweed | Asciepias syriaca L.

Milkweed Growing and Propagation Guide
Herbaceous perennial
• Leaves are the only food source for monarch butterfly larvae and other milkweed butterflies.
• Flower Colors: Pink, yellow, white, green, purple
• Precautions: Milkweed sap can be irritating to skin and harmful to eyes. Wear gloves when handling milkweed and wash your hands thoroughly when done.
• Some milkweed plants can be invasive or aggressive in some regions: research before planting.
• In Canada and the United States avoid Asclepias curassavica or tropical milkweed which causes problems for the monarchs.
Shop Online: Milkweed plants | Naturehills.com
Milkweed seeds | Botanical Interests (both US Shipping)
Milkweed (Asclepias L.) is an American herbaceous perennial with over 140 known species. This plant has gained attention in recent years because some types are the sole host plant for monarch butterfly larvae (babies). No milkweed, no monarchs.
If you are growing just with monarchs in mind, find native species for your region that we know monarchs prefer.
Milkweeds are also a nectar source for bees and many other beneficial insects and their prey. The fluff (called coma) from the seed pods provides nesting material for birds and animals.

The ‘milk’ of milkweed is a sappy, latex-like substance. It is irritating to touch and toxic to animals. Historically, hunters used milkweed in arrows to weaken prey animals.

Milkweed flowers have complex structures and the pollination process is interesting. The pollen is contained in sacs (pollinia) that stick to the feet of visiting pollinators including bees and butterflies. Upon flying away, the sacs break open, releasing the pollen into the flower, or may be carried away to another milkweed for cross-pollination. Sometimes, they are too sticky and the insect is trapped.
Monarchs have co-evolved with particular milkweed species in different regions, using it as a natural defense. Ingestion of the sap by the monarch caterpillars makes them taste horrible to potential predators like birds.
Blech, they say!
Those orange and black markings are code for: don’t eat me, you will regret it!
Other butterfly species have also adopted these colors to foil the birds. They don’t eat the milkweed leaves but they look like they do, so those predators leave them alone too. It’s very cool!

The familiar, fluffy white stuff found in milkweed pods called coma, also known as silk, floss, plume, or pappus is used for insulating clothing. It’s less successful as a pillow stuffing lacking fluffiness for comfort. Coma is also good at absorbing oil with potential for absorbing oil spilled in waterways.
Common Types of Milkweed

Milkweed tussock moth caterpillars (Euchaetes egle) are on the leaves
Butterfly weed | Asclepias tuberosa (zones 3-9)
Orange flowers. Some cultivars have yellow flowers.
Common milkweed | Asclepias syriaca (zones 3-9)
Pink or mauve flowers
Swamp milkweed | Asclepias incarnata (zones 3-6)
Pink flowers
Prairie or smooth milkweed | Asclepias sullivantii (zones 3-7)
Bright pink flowers
Showy milkweed | Asclepias sullivantii (zones 3-9)
Pink and purple flowers
Bloodflower or tropical milkweed| Asclepias syriaca (zones 9-11)
Red-orange with yellow flowers. Native to South America.
Wait! Before You Plant…

Be sure any plants you choose are:
- Recommended for your growing zone.
- Not invasive in your area.
- Suits your growing conditions including sun, soil, water, and wind.
- Contributes to biodiversity by providing food, nectar, or habitat.
Collecting Milkweed Seeds

Get familiar with milkweed: there are some imposters out there. Prior to flowering, dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) and smartweed (Polygonum genus) may fool you. In fall, once the infamous seed pods are popping open, revealing the fluff (coma) and seeds inside, it’s easy to identify.
Know your local laws. In some areas it is illegal to remove any natural materials from public or private property. I collect the seeds from the plants in my own garden.
Grow diversely. Because milkweed plants tend to be clonal (closely related), it is worthwhile to collect seeds from several different areas for better germination rates. Plus, diversity is best for a healthy garden.
Wear gloves. The sap of milkweed can be harmful to both skin and eyes.
Timing is everything. Milkweed seeds are not viable if collected too soon. You can be too early, but probably not too late.
Collect seeds in fall when the pods are open or open easily. They may be green or brown. The seeds should be brown and tough.


Choose insect-free seeds. If the seed pod has milkweed bugs on it, the seeds are probably no longer viable (won’t germinate). Choose seeds from other bug-free milkweed plants.

Remove the fluff and any other plant materials. Place the seeds in a dry paper bag.
Seed Sources
A local seed grower is your best option to ensure you choose milkweed adapted to your growing conditions.
Separating Seeds from Fluff
If you are collecting a large volume of seeds, there are lots of tips online for ways to remove the seeds readily without too much fluff fuss. There are also videos like this one showing how to use a shop vacuum to separate the seeds. The fluff is trapped by the filter; the seeds fall to the bottom of the canister.
Growing Milkweed from Seed

All milkweed seeds need vernalization, which is a chilling period prior to germination. This happens naturally outdoors in a cold climate: the plant drops its seeds in fall and they sprout in spring. Indoors, you can mimic this by placing the seeds in the fridge for several weeks before sowing them.
Before adding any milkweed plants to your garden, check with your local conservation office or university extension office to ensure they are non-invasive and suitable for your region.
You can start these seeds directly outdoors as described below or use milk jugs for winter sowing.
Related: How to Avoid Invasive Plants in Your Garden
Outdoor Seed Sowing
Fall
- The perfect time to sow milkweed outdoors is right when nature does it: when fall weather is consistently cool but not yet freezing.
- Sow the seeds and cover with soil. Keep watered until the ground freezes.
- Mark your sowing area with tags so you don’t mistake the germinating plants for weeds in spring.
Winter
- It’s not as successful as fall sowing, but you can also sow the seeds in soil in a container with a lid and keep it outdoors for the winter. There are photos and instructions here.
Spring
- This is probably the least successful method, but could work if you prechill the seeds adequately. A few months before last frost, place the seeds in damp paper towel or potting soil and keep them in a fridge. Sow outdoors after last frost.
Indoor Seed Starting
- Look up your last frost date and count back 2-3 months. That’s when you want to stash the seeds in damp paper towel or potting soil in the fridge. Keep them moist and let them chill. This is necessary for germination.
- Six weeks before last frost, sow the seeds indoors in seed starting mix or potting soil and place them under grow lights. Keep soil moist.
- The plants are ready for transplanting outdoors when there are four true leaves. The first two leaves are cotyledon: these are primitive, embryonic leaves supporting germination. True leaves (which look different) support higher plant growth.
- Plant outdoors after last frost. Keep watered until roots are nicely established (may take a few months).
Related: Clever Tip for Saving Your Best Garden Seeds
Summary
- Before growing milkweed, find out the best varieties for your area, ensuring they are non-invasive.
- Collect milkweed seeds in late fall when the seed pods are brown and open, or green and easy to pop open.
- The seeds require several weeks of cold temperatures to germinate.
- Direct sow in fall or indoors in spring.
Sources | Read More
- How to collect and grow milkweeds to help monarchs and other pollinators| Michigan State University Extension
- Save Milkweed seed and help the Monarch Butterfly | University of Illinois Extension
- Collecting Milkweed Seeds | Michigan State University Extension
- Growing Milkweeds | Monarchwatch.org
- Milkweed Regions & Seed Needs |Monarchwatch.org
- Xerces Society | Monarch Conservation | Find Milkweed Seeds
- Asclepias (Milkweed) | Wikipedia – see images of various types
- The Global Seed Vault in Norway | Learn how it protects seed species from around the world
Now go grow some butterflies!
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
How to Sow Milkweed (Asclepias) Seeds
Supplies & Materials
- 10 Milkweed seeds
- 1 Plastic milk jug optional for winter sowing
Equipment
Instructions
Fall Sowing
- With first frost near, sow seeds and cover with 1/4-inch of soil.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mark locations with winter-proof plant tags.
- Keep soil moist until winter freezes set in.
Winter Sowing
- Cut bottom off milk jug.
- Sow seeds in ground (using potting mix if ground is frozen) and cover with 1/4-inch of soil.
- Water thoroughly.
- Secure milk jug over sowing area and tag.
Spring Sowing
- Pre-chill seeds in moistened paper towel in plastic food bag and keep in fridge for at least one month. You can also use freezer if temperature of seeds stays near or just above freezing.
- Sow indoors in potting mix a few weeks before last frost or directly outdoors after last frost.
Notes
- Prior exposure to cold (stratification) over weeks or months is necessary for milkweed seeds to germinate. This occurs naturally when sowing seeds directly outdoors in fall or early winter.
- Roughing up the seed coat prior to sowing may also improve germination.
- If using commercial seeds, follow instructions on your seed packet.
Melissa J. Will says
Handy tips for sowing milkweed seeds in fall, winter, and spring. This is an essential larval host plant for monarch butterflies.
Cate says
Hi Melissa: Thanks for all the good articles you write!
I have Milkweed plants in my yard –DOZENS of them! They are at the point of being a nuisance! I have a couple of Monarchs every summer that flit from plant to plant, and sometimes I see holes from the caterpillars. Several years ago my grand niece and I put a leave in a jar with the caterpillar attached and we were thrilled to see a Monarch hatch.
But now, alas, the Milkweed is taking over and I don’t know how to curb its growth. Any suggestions?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Cate, You can cut off the flowers when they’re finishing up blooming so they won’t produce seed pods. 🙂