I am in zone 9 in central California so I know I should cut it back. For thriving plants, it’s best that they go through the winter part of the growth cycle outdoors. Milkweed FAQ What does milkweed look like? I plan to plant a milkweed/butterfly garden next year and am stratifying the seeds now so I wont be needing most of my seeds. I have pastures full of milkweed…. I hit the pod lottery in one area and have already separated the seeds from the slightly cracked pods and separated the fluff. Do it think the pods will mature this way? Some of the pods have already split but I still have about 20+ that have not. Ty!! I collected a several milkweed seed pods of different native Illinois varieties yesterday and forgot and left them in the car this morning. How come some plants have pods and others have 3 or more pods? Can you leave a section of milkweed for the Monarch? When we ‘pot’ our swamp milkweed, we do so in the spring when the shoots start to emerge. My living room and myself are getting very fluffy! Monarch Butterfly Garden- Bring Home the Butterflies, Butterfly Garden Ideas and Gardening Tips to Attract Monarchs, Swallowtails, Hummingbirds, and other Precious Pollinators. I just planted a few A. tuberosa this spring and only had a handful germinate. Sometimes the fluff may have already started coming out of a pod you want to collect. My first try at planting milkweed seed. Please Post Them Below, Filed Under: Butterfly Garden Ideas, Milkweed Garden Ideas, Milkweed Propagation, Minnesota Garden Ideas, Monarch Butterflies, Plant Propagation Tagged With: harvesting milkweed seeds, remove milkweed seeds, removing milkweed seeds, when to pick milkweed pods. I am happy to hear you will be harvesting milkweed seeds Linda. Suggestions would be welcome, too. Cannabis seeds appearance and color; High-quality seeds have particular qualities that set them apart from other seeds that may not be as healthy and viable. Hi Sammy, congrats on all your new milkweed! Hi Karyn, it could be Asclepias incarnata- swamp milkweed? i was told no deeper than a pencil eraser but alas no luck. I bought some tropical milkweed in the spring just for the looks of it collected seeds and propagate some which was easy . My milkweed is doing great but after 2 years I have yet to see a seed pod on any of the 4 I have. Hi Susan, I would not spray soap on plants that are currently hosting monarchs, but they should be safe after they are rinsed off with water. You don’t have to do anything unless you have a specific milkweed plan in mind…. Then they devour the seeds. In order to achieve that, you need to either winter-sow the seed (at least by March 1 for most zones) or simulate the ‘winter’ by utilizing the refrigerator. I have never seen a cat eat a seed pod before. Folowed instructions on the seed packets and after a while I actually had about 50 milkweed plants, in addition to a failry large Buddleja Davidii, a( Butterfly Bush). The vine’s stems are still green but no sap is running. Oh, and I have one more question. You can also start seeds indoors or sow directly in spring. Thanks. Thanks! But if you haven’t mastered the art of defluffing your seeds things can get a little messy. Hello Susan, the fluff makes a mess…much easier if you separate the seeds. Milkweed Seeds will benefit from a 30 day period of cold moist stratification, allowing you a much higher germination rate. The plant was in a pot so I brought the whole thing inside. Cutting back where previous caterpillars have been might help. If you pick pods and open them to discover light brown (or white!) Will they produce? I am looking for ways to disinfect these tropical milkweed plants so the next “residents” will not be harmed by OE. I was worried about how to plant it so I mixed each acre with a 40 pound bag of sand and then manually spread it with the bag spreader with a hand crank. Harvesting the seed too soon. I harvested A. speciosa in 2002 from a field that is now a subdivision. The coins help to separate the seeds. Hello Heidi, thank you for helping the monarchs. I have about an acre of land between my yard and a wet land area. While we strive to be 100% accurate, it is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. We live by the side of the lake that moderates temperatures. the seeds ran about $450 per acre and each acre of seed would fill a couple of coffee cans. After you cut them, you may want to leave the plant stems some place that is accessible to birds so they can use the fibers for nesting material. I go rid of all grasses and saplings that we’re present in this plot. Required fields are marked *. seeds, you won’t have viable seeds for planting. If you’re trying to store them or plant them, all it does is get in the way…. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, nor are we nutritionists. Meanwhile, I will spend my day putting organza bags around the still green milkweed pods in my garden. I’m renting the house I’m in and so I’ve kept them in pots, greedily, so I can take them with whenever I move. Fantastic, I am supplying several households with seeds this year and this will make it so much easier. EdibleWildFood.com is informational in nature. I imagine they would thrive in-ground vs in pots? You can cut back milkweed stalks in fall or spring. Hi Pat, I would try planting some and see what happens. This past nov. Your email address will not be published. The plants are suppose to be perennial. These are some ways you can, If you don’t have access to milkweed pods, you can always find seed on our, Valentine Gift Ideas for a Butterfly Lover, Start or Improve your Monarch Butterfly Garden, Butterfly Garden Book for Monarchs- Instant Download, Start Raising Monarch Butterflies Here…, Top Tools, Supplies, and Resources for Raising Monarch Butterflies. You can store milkweed seeds in paper or plastic bags. I started my milkweed from a seed pod my grandpa gave me off his milkweed. Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a native herbaceous perennial whose main virtue is its appeal to butterfliesespecially the monarch, which deposits its eggs on the milkweed. I will be collecting close to 100 pods this fall and I would be happy to donate some to Irene. I have just bought 3 of the narrow leaf milkweed and on one plant there are 2 seed pods. Do cut the plant completely back? The pods act as boats and I believe that the seeds float as well. I have a compost bag full of fluff and seeds. Below is a description of each of these bugs and a guideline on how to distinguish the boxelder bugs from them; Small milkweed bug. There are still flowers, but in the old flowers’ place some large green oblong shapes have appeared, some very small and some as big as the digit of my thumb, but not very thick. A decade ago we even raised some caterpillars and set the adults free – great fun with a 5-year-old. Thank you. I have seen a couple straggler Monarchs this far north in Chicago still the last couple days! good luck! If you’re going to get a hard freeze, you could always take a stem cutting with the pods attached and place the cutting in water. good luck! Step 3: Separate the milkweed seeds from their pods After thorough drying, they load the milkweed into a hammermill that crushes the pod and separates it from the hundreds of seeds … Are the kids old enough to follow those rules? Asclepias gigantean) is a quaint shrub or small tree with plenty of character. The pod should be drying out and beginning to split. Will they continue to grow? You can still separate the fluff indoors without making a mess…. I do this by leaving the seeds out in a bowl overnight. Hi Irene, sounds like a fantastic project. They look like immature heads of broccoli but have roughly the same flavour as the shoots. Hi Dana, I’m in zone 5 too. The swallowtails we currently have in our porch won’t emerge from their chrysalides until (probably) next May. I’m not sure if there should be a ‘limit’ for cold stratification…never done it for more than a couple months. I have left over TROPICAL milkweed seed that I want to plant in pots in spring. I’m in zone 6. 2a. Tropical Milkweed grows up to 3 feet high. Kept in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic. All the fluff (coma) was matted down and the seeds were easy to separate. Is it strange for them to be appearing at this time of year if they are? Timing is key when collecting milkweed seeds. Hi David, you can check out my milkweed resources page to see what will grow perennially in your region: If you are just looking California natives, check this out: I have no pods on my milkweed in Westchester, Ohio. Hi Bob, what species of milkweed and where are you located? I was collecting milkweed pods in a field and I came across a pod that I did not recognize. If you need seeds for planting, please check out my milkweed resources page for more options: I am having a huge problem with the red and black milkweed bugs on the blossoms of my milkweed just waiting for the seed pods. Hi Bud, if you are on facebook this looks like a good resource for some ideas: Hi Tony, Do you know how long milkweed seeds last? Five? I have tropical milkweed. But yes, you can plant seeds with fluff attached if you wish. The pods and seeds look fully developed and the seeds look brown and healthy for harvesting. We have them here in Louisiana as well. I live in central Ontario. I have several Tweedia pods that are green with some brown on them. The pods are closed up and green,and are safe in my garage. I don’t want to lose the seeds. Hi Laura, what species of milkweed are you growing? These milkweed flower buds are wonderful in stir-fries, soups, rice casseroles, and many other dishes. north-east United States (zones 4-7), but do grow elsewhere. I live in the Annapolis area of Maryland, and we’re getting temps between 52-76-ish. So I assume they eventually turned in to Butterflies. No milkweed, no monarchs. Is this normal? I never seem to have monarch caterpillars tho (several others)??? Should I wait until January, or after refrigerating seeds, start them now–ion the fall? Hi Shae, usually 8-12 weeks before your average last frost is a good time to start seeds indoors. Should I wait and harvest seeds or should I cut back now?Yes, it still has several flowers too. If one cannot be there when the pods split then the rubber band idea works great. I have this plant inside in my garden window protecting those seeds. Peace Through Rotary Service Clara Harris Lemon Grove,Calif. Same with the Cinderella Milkweed I have. What’s the purpose in separating the fluff? On a windy day I can really scatter a lot of seeds with the fluff attached. Hi Mike, if the pods formed, and the seeds weren’t plucked before maturity, the seeds will be viable. I’m from North East Pennsylvania and joined the Monarch release program locally this year. WE learned a lot when we visited the reptile land in PA. As for cutting back plants, if you are in region where milkweed doesn’t die back over winter, plants should be cut back to between 6-12″ at least once a year to promote healthy new growth without OE spores. Hi Tony, In Missouri–I cut quite a few green milkweed pods still on the stems from along our county road ditch yesterday. Has been a very good year for me ,I’ll have over 200 this year with 50being tagged. I never noticed any seed pods until now (December 29). Keep up the good work! I just discovered we have milkweed growing in our backyard. Could it be that vine with small white flowers that produces pods and is just a milkweed wannabe and not real milkweed? Hopefully you have helped me get the one wild egg I found to become beautiful Monarch butterfly It is now a 2 day old chrysalis 😀 and I’m an anxious Mom waiting for a butterfly to emerge 😀. I noticed that the honeyvine pods still had plenty of latex sap in them even tho’ the vines were dead, so I left them alone thinking the seeds *might* continue maturing. Is there any way that I can get the seeds to mature in the rest of the pods before planting? I am hopeful that most butterflies have been able to start their journey from Canada. I know that praying mantis are beneficial in the garden. Ok, Tony, thanks. There were probably 25 other seeds including black eyed Susans, goldenrod. I was under the impression that next spring the plants will produce more seed and thicken the area more. Thoughts please. Hi Laura, I separate the seeds from the fluff right after harvesting. It has blood-red flowers with yellow hoods which would look lovely with a Swamp Milkweed cultivar, like Ice Ballet . Hi Pamela, the fluff makes a mess..it’s easier to store the seeds if you separate. Hi James, I always plant and cover seeds, but that might not be practical for a field habitat. The stems and leav… I have been scattering extra seeds at lakes, parks and other public places. Hi Cherie, swallowtails are unpredictable compared to monarchs, but they definitely take longer. I have had these plants look good up to Halloween with active caterpillars. It may not freeze here until mid to late Dec. Hi Lee, if you want the seeds for planting, I would cut back the plants after you harvest them…, The tropical milk weed is very bad it Carries OE and will as the sliky gold. Otherwise, the plants will be too small to support monarchs. If the pod is brown and has already popped open releasing their silky fluff, also called coma, you know that they are ready and you can harvest them and remove the fluff later. Hi Judy, the plants can survive temps as low as the high 20’s…if it’s going to get colder than that, you could overwinter plants indoors or just take a cutting of the plant with the pods and put it in water indoors to let them finish developing if they are close. What To Do With Extra Seeds. If you store them in plastic bags, make sure they are completely dry before putting them in to avoid mold. If you’re looking to donate or trade seeds facebook groups are the best platforms to do that…good luck and happy gardening. Unfortunately, any immature seeds collected will not develop further so just harvest and plant (or store) the ones that are fully mature… If you’re interested in starting a garden: Hi Tony, I have six common milkweed that I purchased and planted this past Spring in a large galvanized tub. But I’m wondering if there are safety concerns I need to be thinking about? Otherwise, facebook groups are the best place to give or trade milkweed seeds. Viable seeds are usually dark in color like brown, tan, or black. I tried the paper bag and penny method. I have no idea what variety they are but the seeds look mature …brown with white fluff. If you try this method, be careful not to blacken that green thumb! Thank you so much for the tips. The leaves of this plant provide food for monarch butterfly larvae as a consequence monarch butterflies and their caterpillars love this plant. This has been such a helpful source of information. Fall is here and the time has come to harvest future plants from your milkweed pods. Now it’s up t Mother nature. Harvest Milkweed Seeds without the Fluff Part 2. are umbrella-like), are purplish-pink in color and occur at the tips of stems and axils of upper leaves. The only way to eat milkweed is as a young shoot (under 15 cm). I just started with Monarch’s this season and I’ve raised 30 and released all but 6….I live on 32 acres in MD and have space for a GOOD milk weed garden…. Could I ask please roughly how many days the giant swallow tail larvae spend as a larvae before turning into a chrysalis? I can return to the areas I picked last year plus our plants and hope to have many more seeds. The common name spider flower (Cleome hasslerana) aptly describes cleome’s large, loose flower heads. I’ve successfully planted seeds that were 4-5 years old, but I replace them with fresh seeds after that, if needed. Is it really necessary? Will it come back next spring? Lots of work but turn out great. Deer and rabbits have been reported to eat milkweed leaves, and there are many other insects that feed on milkweed such as milkweed bugs, tussock moths, queen butterfly larvae, and more. They are not ready to pop, but the weather is now getting colder, 65 to 75 degrees during the day, 45 degrees at night. What are my best options for making sure the seeds will be good for planting in the spring? Will the seeds from fluffless pods still be viable? I’m feeling pretty bad about this and would love to know what I could do. I know the danger comes from the sap but still…? Hi Kim, if you picked all the pods there’s not a lot you can do. Good germination. I’ve done this with “balloon plant” before and the seeds continued to develop. How best to plant? Most have gone to Mexico. Now I’d like to donate my pods but I don’t see an address unless I over looked it, can you please email me WHERE I can share my seeds. I really didn’t want to put straw out in fear of spreading other seeds that I may not want. Should I store them over winter in the refrig or cabinet at room temp.? Thanks. Hi Lorri, if your plants didn’t flower this season, they won’t produce seeds. Some of my abundant seeds would find their way there without help, but this should speed up the process a bit. Should I try and roll it into the ground ? 4. Hi Anissa, tropical milkweed is a continuous bloomer…and seeder! Are these seeds viable or were they harvested too soon? I stumbles upon some plants seeds opening and ready, I live in Rhode Island should I plant now or wait, Also I’m going back to get more since they’re on a property we own. Learn how to separate seeds without making a fluffy, white mess! See photos of milkweed bugs and get more tips on saving seeds. I am south of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and on the shore of Lake Michigan. This may lead you to wonder what does milkweed look like. If so, this will be an issue as to where I plan to plant. It’s a butterfly haven now. I was so excited I finally got milkweed to grow and now I find it is tropical milkweed. Shake more if necessary…. Because if you plant with the fluff attached, all it takes is a light breeze and your efforts are literally gone with the wind. Hi Dick, you can reply to her comment and see if she gets back to you. Is there a way to protect them from freezing (as we could still have a freeze…even though it is has been in the 70’s lately!). Make sure there aren’t any insects or extra plant material in with your seeds. It is fall and we have harvested the seeds. Help! nutrition, recipes, history, uses & more! I have grown many milkweed plants from seed, like common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), both of which are favorites of monarch caterpillars.What I have also learned from experience is that these milkweed seeds … To do this, wrap seeds in a damp paper … Should I be worried about reduced viability? Tony I have a question. Hi Jaime, they are more likely to thrive if you plant them in the garden…especially if they are getting root-bound in their containers. Can the seeds just be scattered or does the soil need to be prepared in any way? Mark the collecting container with your name, the date, species common name, species botanical name, and the location of the collection. You’ll also get new plants from seeding and some species (like asclepias syriaca) spread by underground rhizomes. I have been harvesting the seeds as directed and have high hopes next years I’ll see a few more Monarchs. good luck…. Hi Janet, my guess is somewhere around freezing 32° F but I would move one indoors if it was below 50° F. I have found small caterpillars alive after it dipped down to 31° F…. Save your seeds from the previous year and then start them indoors about eight weeks before your last frost date. You can try planting to see if they’re viable, but I would harvest some more if possible. The pods are fully-grown, and two of them are starting to turn purplish, the others are totally green. (Read the Spanish translation) Here are some resources to help you find the best milkweed for your area: Planting the Right Milkweed in your Region What to do? I believe that I had decent coverage and just finished planting November 30 this year. Your email address will not be published. It is found in the western half of the US and up into Canada. Harvest Milkweed Seeds without the Fluff Part 2. Thanks. Hi Dick, there’s really not right/wrong ways…there’s what works for your particular situation and what doesn’t. What about my asclepias Bloodflower which also still have green pods? But, if you want a mature plant to start next season, you can overwinter indoors. When all of my common Milkweeds are done, Hairy Balls Milkweed is going gangbusters into October and ending with our first hard frost. This is quite a service. What other varieties would you suggest for Southern Ca.? They are located in Florida, so it’s harder for them to source them. pull out gently seeds and all. I waited until my native milkweed pods turned brown and cracked open but there were only seeds inside, no fluff. Thank you for your report Eleanor and welcome to the community! I’d say with 100 new plants, you’re on the right track…However, if you’re in a region with a true winter, you might try fall planting seeds too. have tons of common milkweed growing all over the place. One of the pods is finally dry and I cracked it open today — I don’t think it was ever going to split on its own. Thank you for your time. Here’s more info: If you want to catch the seeds, try tying organza bags around the pods…good luck! Here are 18+ milkweed ideas to consider: Swamp milkweed is a popular native variety that is both host and nectar plant for monarchs and has a later bloom period than common: Swamp milkweed will work for your area. However it is heavy with fern. Did I wait too long? any ideas? Grow Butterfly Milkweed from fresh Asclepias tuberosa flower seeds. Here is more info: Do I best NOT use the seeds if IF OE MAY be present. Will the milk weed grow and survive in that area. I was searching for information on aphids – found that and just kept reading! You could also try winter sowing and then plant all the seedlings next spring. Milkweed grows in fields, along roadsides, and generally in dryer locations. I have nearly a cup full of pure seeds and need to know the best approach for storing and seeding. I’m assuming they are sufficiently cold stratified. It will also keep my neighbors from being upset! Note that none of the other A. tuberosas I planted were flowering when this particular plant was flowering and I don’t think I’ve ever seen A. tuberosa growing wild in my immediate area. And are there any secrets or tricks to preserve them for years to come? I can’t really emphasize enough why it is of utmost importance to choose only high-quality cannabis seeds.But to put it simply, I’d only sum up the benefits of opting for We have enough milkweed so I let ours stay, but when you have a limited supply they can be a pain. I would appreciate any and all suggestions. Hi Ginger, it’s always good to keep the neighbors happy. Then in April this year spread them on about three acre area. Milkweed seeds, like many native plants, need to feel a cold winter before they can germinate. I hear it takes a very long time for a small plant to grow enough to start producing flowers and pods? The long, oblong leaves are light green and grow to about 8 inches long. Hi Linda, I would cold stratify the seeds in your refrigerator before planting. How long will it take for my seeds to become useful to the Monarchs? It was an awesome experience – I planted a butterfly bush this spring and on the day of the Eclipse was when my 1st Monarch’s appeared. I don’t know if they are viable or not, but they look good and they might be okay. Living in southern California I figured I have Monarchs all over the place. If you’re planting seeds next spring (or starting seeds indoors), it’s best to store them in your refrigerator. Prairie planting is not my field of expertise, but there is a link to planting a field for pollinators in this post: What 5 acres that’s a lot of land!!! Hi Rebecca, the caterpillars may be eating down the plants before they have time to seed…Up north, ours seed prolifically. Would like to know if there is any special tasks needed to ensure good plant growth. You have lots of options both native and non-native…for non-native varieties like tropical it’s best to start seeds indoors early or buy plants. They have attracted lady bugs which are feasting on them. Lately, however, I’ve noticed a shortage of eggs in one area of my yard. Hi Diane, Monarch Watch has a milkweed seed program. I’m in Louisiana in zone 9a. Remember that milkweed sap can be an eye irritant, so always wash your hands thoroughly after handling. Two years? You can also press on the seam of each pod to see if it starts to pop. I also have cattle. And would it be in a terrarium? I did however get 6 Eastern Black Swallowtails from the dill garden (who does that? There are many insects…spiders, bees, etc. White or light pink flowers and no fluff on the seeds. Sowed seed by hand and dragged the it by hand. Hi Kate, you can fall plant milkweed seeds directly, winter sow, or plant in spring: I don’t have any pods my milkweed has been stripped down to just a few leaves at the top! It is a beautiful sight and I have had some interesting conversations as a result. I have lots and don’t want them to go to waste. Here’s the thing, the State comes thru and cuts down established plants on the side of the road. If you do have tropical milkweed in your garden, it is recommended to cut the plant back in the winter months to encourage monarchs to move on to their natural overwintering sites. The non-natives will likely be perennials in your region too. The seeds are light brown. We will leave the stalks or cut them part of the way down then leave until early spring. I purchased a mixed blend of seeds to plant for the Monarchs including 3 types of milkweed. if you can locate plants/seeds I would say give them a go, but I wouldn’t count on it as your main milkweed variety as you’re getting started. I’ve been riding through local alleys on my recumbent trike, blowing milkweed seeds onto the little weedpatches between the garages and the pavement. Do you lay them on paper? Just started 36 deep pots of this seed this spring. The ripe balls turn tan and burst open with seeds This gives them the cold stratification they need to come out of dormancy and sprout, when you finally plant them. When I remembered them about noon, the car was closed up and the inside temp measured about 110°F. In other words, no new seeding is needed, right? Is their a market for milkweed ? Will they continue to ripen? Help please. Since milkweed requires a period of cold stratification, it is best to either seed in late fall after a frost but before a hard freeze or to cold stratify in the refrigerator an seed in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. When & Where To Plant Milkweed. It is hardy in zones 4-9 and is a rhizomatous plant spreading underground or by seeds much like Common milkweed. Now we have so many new sprouts and bloomed plants. this was so helpful first year I am gonna try this. I like to store my seeds in paper envelopes, which are easy to label, or in jars if I have a lot of seed. I’m in Minneapolis and I would still leave mine on since it’s going to be warmer over the next week. Sometimes the fluff may have already started coming out of a pod you want to collect. I have had good luck with the milk jug method in the past, will try that with these. I harvested and replanted lots of seeds (and gave lots away). If you’re asking yourself, “what does milkweed look like?” and looking for pictures of it, I recommend checking out Monarch Watch’s photo guide. Do you know if this is true and would the plant even produce pods and seeds if proper pollination did not occur? I appreciate you and all you do! Do not eat mature leaves, stems, seeds, or pods.” That seems to be his current stance. What cannabis seeds look like. Otherwise, things can get very messy. I’m concerned about the orangeish bugs like aphids on the plants. I am ready to start planting my native pink swamp milkweed seeds, in trays, in a protective screened enclosure. Your site has been my saving grace many times! zone 5. If you want to guarantee a collection, tie mesh organza bags around the pods: I have butterfly weed, can I collect the pods in the same way? Thank you. To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). Children in my school planted Milkweed seeds from an only and old milkweed plant that we had. Hi Cliff, your perennial milkweed should come back next spring. Not sure if this would harm the caterpillars. We are wondering if these new ones will give us some more pods of seeds. I have way more Butterfly Weed and Common Milkweed seeds than I’m going to be able to stratify and plant this spring. Road trip! I also noticed the caterpillars eating the pods a few weeks ago. Maybe even early June for the swamp MW’s. Could I put them in the fridge and then start them in containers next spring or should I toss the pods and try it again next fall? Its the only one Im having a hard time finding. I have a few common milkweed plants that are well established. A freeze killed the vines before the pods split. I moved it to another area of my yard but he returned to my milkweeds. If I can get a bunch do you want some, Hi Karen, I typically plant seeds in Minnesota toward the end of October or even early November…just make sure you do it before the first snowstorm! Thanks again for all of the great information! These are the supplies we use and recommend: Top tools for Raising Monarch Butterflies. yes Nancy, the seeds will blow all over the place, but you can always put organza bags over the pods before they burst or cut off the pods prematurely.