Many of you planted milkweed (Asclepias) plants and have noticed their plump crescent shaped pods in your garden. If you would like to increase your milkweed population or grow a few plants to give to friends, this is how to do it;
As soon as the pod begins to split is the best time to collect the seeds. If you pick them right when the pod splits but before they fluff out it is easier to separate the seed from the fluff by holding the fluffy part and scraping down with your fingernail to separate the seeds. Do this in a place without a breeze or your seeds will blow away. Inspect your seeds for insects and remove them.
For best results give your seeds 3 months of cold moist stratification before sowing. To do this place seeds in a plastic zip-lock bag or plastic container with a tight fitting lid. Label the seeds on the outside of the container with the name and date. Add about equal volume of clean sand, peat moss, or sphagnum. Add water to moisten and then mix contents. Firmly squeeze any excess water from the soil mix. Store the container for three months in your refrigerator before attempting to germinate. Check the seeds occasionally to make sure they are not drying out.
You are now ready to germinate your seeds. Prepare your pots with potting mix or clear a plot in your garden. Sprinkle the continents of your refrigerated container along the top of your soil. Try to space your seeds to have a few per inch. Cover very lightly with more soil, just a sprinkle. Clearly label and date the seeds in a way that the writing will not be washed away by water. Keep this area moist until the plants are established.
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