During the fall season, fresh milkweed seeds are carried away by the wind to produce more milkweed plants, which provide food for the numerous monarch caterpillars. However, many gardeners overlook the strategy that goes into seed collecting. It is more than simply adding the seeds to the collection by grabbing a few that float by.
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The secret to harvesting milkweed pods is finding the right time to do so. The pods will naturally split when the seeds have reached perfect maturity. To maximize the amount of seeds that you collect you want to harvest the pods before they open completely. For pods that are starting to crack along the seam but have not yet released the seeds, those are optimal. A harvested pod should feel firm but give slightly when you press it. If the pod readily gives when you pull on the hand that is the right one to pick.
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Try to avoid any pods that are entirely green and still tightly shut. These likely contain immature seeds that are not viable. Additionally, avoid any pods where seeds are already drifting away because the best seeds have most likely already been released.
The Best Collection Strategy
After you have identified the pods that are ready for picking, the process of collecting them is fairly straightforward. Gently open a pod along the seam and pull out the entire cluster of seeds with thier silky attachments. Place the cluster into a paper bag or any other container. (Do not use plastic bags, as they trap moisture and mold can develop).
The main thing to remember is to keep the silky parachutes on the seeds during the first step in seed collection. They serve an important purpose – protecting the seeds from damage during the separation process while also serving as indicators of seed viability. The ideal seeds are dark and plump with shiny new silky parachutes.
Separating Seeds From Silk
The time you’ve spent collecting seeds, will soon be worthwhile. First, find a clean, dry area and spread out your seeds. Then, using your fingernail or the edge of a dull knife, gently scrape the seeds from their silky parachutes. You may want to work in small groups so you do not mix viable seeds with the chaff.
Perfect seeds have a firm texture, and are dark brown or black in color. Discard any seeds that are lighter in color, feel hollow, or appear damaged. This is an extremely important step in the sorting process, as one bad seed can ruin an entirely storage container.
Secrets for Successful Long-Term Storage
Seeds that germinate for years versus those that only geriminate for one season can be the result of how the seeds were stored. For proper storage, clean and dry seeds can be put into small glass jars with tight lids and paper envelopes. Make a label for all of your seeds including the date and location of your collection – it will help you later.
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Milkweed seeds can be stored in refrigerator containers. The consistent cooling of a refrigerator keeps seeds within their natural winter conditions, but prevents temperatures that can harm the seeds. When stored properly, milkweed seeds can remain viable for 5-7 years.
Effective Strategies for Germination
Before germination can occur, Milkweed seeds require a period of cold stratification, meaning that they must be subjected to a winter-like environment. To prepare seeds for spring planting, place them in the refrigerator for a period of 30-90 days. It is important to enclose the seeds in a container with a small amount of moisture in the form of either damp sand or damp paper towels.
As another option for planting seeds, you can sow them directly in late fall or early winter, allowing the cold conditions of winter to provide the necessary cold stratification. Plants grown from seeds sown using this method often exhibit superior root systems, although you will have to wait until spring to see the results.
Strategic Planting For Maximum Impact
Most gardeners do not acknowledge how much location really matters. For instance, plant milkweed in areas with good drainage and full sun. Steer clear of low areas where water collects. These conditions are detrimental and will kill seedlings quickly.
Think about designing 'monarch corridors' by planting clustered milkweeds near natural pathways, such as fence lines, property edges, or borders and edges of gardens. These interconnected zones are beneficial for sustaining migrating monarchs and local breeding populations, as well.
Timing Your Spring Sowing
When planting stratified seeds or new seeds collected from the fall, it's important to consider the timing. The best time for most areas is from late April to early June. The soil is consistently warm and is after the last frost date.
Keep soil consistently damp (but not soaked) during the period from seed germination to seedling emergence. After germination, you may need to change your watering frequency or method to avoid problems caused by excessive moisture. Understand the life cycles of the seeds you are working with so that you can kill the seedlings or perform some other life cycle disrupting activity before they reach their next life cycle stage. This is to ensure that they stay seedlings long enough to develop into a transplantable size and before they mature into a perennial or weed seed production stage. Some seed types require that they be exposed to light in order to germinate; others require darkness. Be sure that if you are using lights to illuminate your plants that they are receiving the correct light and dark periods to satisfy their germination requirements.
Caring for Seedlings Success
Young milkweed plants need a bit of time. When young milkweeds start to aggressively establish a deep root system, they will grow slowly above ground. Avoid adding a lot of nutrients as milkweed do better in lean soil. An abundance of nutrition can lead them to be more susceptible to aphid infestations.
Water consistently during the first growing season, and after that, leave the established plants to manage on their own. Once established, milkweed plants become extremely drought tolerant and actually do better without much intervention.
Establishing Seed Sources That You Can Sustain
Our ultimate goal for the ongoing conservation of the Monarchs is not only to have successful germination, but also to create sustained seed sources. For this, we recommend that you let some pods open naturally, then scatter the seeds, and, from other pods, take a harvest for directed seeding.
By creating sustainable populations of milkweed, you will be able to support monarchs, as well as create dependable seed sources for future expansion. You can increase your impact in your community by sharing seeds with nearby schools, neighbors, or local conservation groups.
