How to Sow Milkweed (Asclepias) Seeds
Tips for sowing milkweed Seeds outdoors in Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Cost: 5.00
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 seeds Milkweed seeds
- 10 pots Small plastic flowerpots optional for winter sowing
- 1 roll Paper towels optional for fridge stratification
- 1 box Food storage bags optional for fridge stratification
- 1 bag Potting mix optional for sowing in pots
Instructions
Fall & Winter Outdoor Seed Sowing
- Sow seeds in ground (soil) or containers (with potting mix) approximately 1/4-inch deep.
- Place hardware cloth over planting area or containers to keep animals out.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mark locations (or containers) with winter-proof plant tags.
- Keep soil moist until winter freezes set in. Seeds will sprout in spring.
Spring Sowing Starting Indoors
- Slow Stratification: Pre-chill (stratify) seeds in moistened paper towel in plastic food bag and keep in fridge for 45 days. Check every few days and re-moisten paper towel as needed.
- Fast Stratification: Alternate between fridge and freezer every 24 hours for one week. Cover plastic bag with a dish towel (or similar) as needed to ensure contents do not freeze.
- After stratification period, sow in pots of potting mix and continue growing indoors.
- The best time to transplant outdoors is when plant is established with several true leaves and weather is cool, either in spring or fall.
Notes
- Make sure the milkweed you choose is recommended in your growing region and not invasive.
- Prior exposure to moist, 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.
- Check your seed packets for more tips.
Want More?Get your free Empress of Dirt Newsletter!