Method 1: Cold Stratify
- Step 1: Wet a paper towel and lay on a flat surface. Wet a paper towel and gently wring it out so it is damp but not dripping with water. Too much …
- Step 2: Sprinkle 10-20 milkweed seeds on the paper towel.
- Step 3: Fold the paper towel into quarters.
- . Step 4: Place the paper towel into the bag, seal, and label.
- Step 5: Place in the refrigerator for 30-60 days.
Method 2: Fall Planting
1. Choose an area where you want to grow your Milkweed plants. Make sure it has proper sunlight and is in a slightly protected area. If planting in pots, make sure they are protected (i.e. against the side of a building or next to straw bales). Make sure the pots are not in the drip-line of the building so that they could potentially fill with water and then freeze. However, snow-melt is an important part of the process so do allow snow to cover the pot.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on the soil and mulch with a couple inches of straw or leaves. Do not pack the mulch down as it is important to have a bit of air flow to deter mold and fungus from growing.
3. Sprinkle water over the seed bed if soil is dry.
4. Mark the area so you don’t forget where you planted.
5. Be patient. They will not germinate and start sprouting until Spring and sprouting will not occur all at the same time as with most cultivated varieties of plants. These are wild plants that will have more genetic variation and will be more likely to survive once they have become established.
Method 3: Winter Planting
During the winter after a heavy snow, broadcast your seeds out on the snow. Lightly press them into the snow. Believe it or not, many of them will come up in the spring! The moisture will soften their seed coats and essentially wake them up. Make sure it is in an area that you want the plants to grow and will have plenty of sunlight in the Spring and Summer.
Method 4: Milk Jug Planters
Cut the milk jug in half using a knife or scissors. Don’t cut through the handle. Keep it intact to act as a hinge. Toss the cap, you won’t need it.
Add drainage holes to the bottom of the container.
Pre-moisten the soil.
Lightly press seeds into soil.
Move the top half of the milk jug back in place and tape up the container.
Label the jug.
Place in a shady spot outside.