Asclepias syriaca

#commonmilkweed #seedling 💕 #seeds gifted by @treefrog44

#commonmilkweed #milkweed #seedling 💕 #seeds gifted by @treefrog44

#common #milkweed #seeds #seedid #seedidreference #cataloging #reference #ingodwetrust

#common #milkweed 💕 #cataloguing #seeds #seedexchange #seedsaving #seedidreference #seedid #reference #macro #macroseed #ingodwetrust #jennseeds2018

#overwinter #jennbringindoors

Cold #stratification is very important for the germination and growth of Milkweed. It helps to break the seeds natural dormancy cycle by exposing the seed to winter-like temperatures that help soften or crack its hard outer casing. Without prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, your milkweed seed is unlikely to sprout.

To do this, put your Milkweed seed in a damp paper towel or some damp sand inside a zipper bag, and place in your fridge for 3 – 6 weeks (30 days). Choose a low-traffic place inside your fridge where it won’t get damaged. We taped ours to the bottom of a refrigerator shelf.

Once the 30 days are complete, it’s time to plant the cold stratified Milkweed seeds. We recommend planting in 2-4” peat pots. Fill the peat pots ¾ of the way with a 'seed-starting potting soil' and gently add water. Water should be able to drain through the peat pots. Once the soil is damp, place 1-2 cold stratified seeds into each pot. To finish, place 1/4 inch of soil on top of the seed.

Gently water the planted seed to give additional hydration. The best way to water is from the bottom up: use a flat pan under the peat pots and add a half inch of water to the bottom of the tray. Don’t overwater, as it can cause fungus. Water every day, or every other day as needed. The best way to test the soil dampness is to touch it; if the soil seems dry then add water, but if it’s wet, wait for the soil to dry out before adding more water.

https://www.americanmeadows.com/blog/2015/06/11/how-to-germinate-and-grow-milkweed-seed/

If seeds are started indoors, allow 4-8 weeks growing time before transplanting. Plastic flats can be used to start the seeds. Fill the flats with a soil mix suitable for seedlings (most potting mixes are), thoroughly soak the soil, and let the excess water drain. Sow the seeds by scattering them on the soil surface 1/4-1/2 inch apart, and then cover with about 1/4 inch of additional soil mix. Gently mist the soil surface with water to dampen the additional soil mix that has been added.

#stratification February 15-March 15 #sowindoors March 15th

http://www.monarchwatch.org/milkweed/prop.htm

#common #milkweed #cataloguing #seedexchange #giftfromtreefrog44 #sharingiscaring #jennseeds2018

#butterfly #garden #hostplant 🦋