It is that time of the year again; the Asclepias tuberosa — butterfly milkweed is going to seed once more.You can seed them in the fall, but do not scatter the seeds; instead, start them in pots and keep in mind they need a cold stratification period of 30 days to germinate successfully.
Understanding the significance of cold stratification in breaking the seeds’ natural dormancy cycle and aiding their growth is crucial for successful gardening.
The process of cold stratifying butterfly milkweed seeds is straightforward and can be easily accomplished with the proper guidance.
Mix the seeds with damp vermiculite or clean sand.
Put the mixture in a sealed plastic bag.
Place the bag in the fridge for 3–6 weeks.
If you notice any mold or fungus, remove the affected seeds and rinse the rest with water before returning them to the bag. Put the bag in an area of the fridge where it won’t get damaged, like taped to the bottom of a shelf or in a Tupperware container.
But remember, do not be greedy; one pod has enough seeds to start a beautiful garden.
