How to Harvest and Spread Milkweed Seeds Milkweed is a crucial plant for monarch butterflies, as it serves as the only host plant for their caterpillars. If you're looking to support monarch populations, collecting and spreading milkweed seeds is a simple and rewarding way to help. When to Harvest Milkweed Pods Milkweed pods are typically ready for harvest in the fall, between late September and early November, depending on your location. The pods are ready when they turn brown or gray and start to split open at the seam. Inside, you'll find the fluffy "silk" attached to the seeds. To ensure the seeds are mature, wait until the pod opens naturally, or give it a gentle squeeze—if it pops open easily, it's ready. How to Collect Milkweed Seeds When collecting, grab the entire pod and place it in a paper bag or breathable container. Be mindful not to take too many pods from any single area—leave some for natural dispersal and wildlife. Once you've collected the pods, open them and separate the seeds from the fluff. This can be tricky, but placing the pod contents in a paper bag and shaking vigorously can help loosen the seeds. Another method is using a screen or colander to sift out the seeds. How to Spread Milkweed Seeds There are a couple of ways to spread milkweed seeds. You can plant them in your own garden or distribute them in natural areas where milkweed is needed. For successful germination, milkweed seeds require cold stratification, which mimics winter conditions. You can sow seeds outdoors in late fall or early winter to allow this natural process. If starting seeds indoors, place them in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 30-60 days before planting. Things to Consider
More info: Harvesting Milkweed Seed: A Pod and a Plan by the Xerces Society. BACK IN THE DAY WHEN PICKING MILKWEED WAS A PATRIOTIC PURSUIT - Wisconsin DNR
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