Starting Milkweed from Seed
1. Seed Selection
Johnny Butterflyseed will help ensure that you select native milkweed seeds appropriate for your region. We offer Milkweed Seeds for most of North America.
Milkweed Seeds
Seeds for growing plants in the Milkweed genus (Asclepias); required for all Milkweed butterflies, like the Monarch and Queen.
2. Cold Stratification
Many milkweed species require a cold stratification process. This involves placing the seeds in a moistened paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag and storing them in the refrigerator for 3-6 weeks (Borders & Lee-Mäder, 2014).**
3. Sowing
Plant the seeds in well-draining soil, approximately 1/4 inch deep. Ensure they are spaced adequately to prevent overcrowding.
4. Germination
Milkweed seeds typically germinate within 10-15 days, provided they’re kept in a warm location with consistent moisture.