- When germinating milkweed from seed, you must first store the seed in a cold environment, such as your refrigerator, for at least one month. Sow the seeds approximately 1/2 inch apart in flats filled with equal parts perlite and vermiculite, then cover the seeds with another 1/4 inch of the soil mixture. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds should germinate within seven to 10 days. Allow four to eight weeks of growth before transplanting in your garden after the danger of frost.
- Milkweed prefers a sandy soil mix with good drainage. You can achieve this mix by adding sand to the soil and tilling it into the existing soil, if necessary. Choose the sunniest portions of your garden, because milkweed craves light. Be aware that, in prime growing conditions, milkweed will spread via rhizome runners and can become a nuisance if allowed to spread unchecked.
- Seedlings should be kept moist at all times; however, over-watering will deter milkweed growth. Apply just enough water to moisten the soil to the touch. Once the seedlings are transplanted, they will require less water since the root systems are deeper. Watering once a week, in the absence of rainfall, is sufficient for milkweed. You may also wish to add a liquid fertilizer to the water monthly for optimum results.
- In order to propagate additional milkweed without the hassle of germinating seeds, you can take cuttings from green stems approximately 1/3 inch thick. Cut the bottom of the cutting under water and apply a rooting hormone to the stem at the site of the cut. Place the cutting in potting medium and keep it moist for about six to 10 weeks.
next post