Common Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, seeds!
Germination: Milkweed requires a cold, moist stratification period. This means that the seed after being harvested, dried and cleaned needs to have a “chilling” period. Nature’s method is done through the winter weather. To obtain similar results the seed should be mixed with moist sand, sealed in an airtight container, and placed in storage 33-38 degrees Fahrenheit. (A refrigerator works best).
The period of chilling varies with the species, A. syriaca requires 30 days of cold stratification. A. incarnata requires 30-90 days of cold stratification. Some growers opt to soak the A.incarnata seed in hot water (190 degree F.) for 12 hours. This process should be repeated for a total of 3 times before sowing the seed. 2. The seed can be sown in open trays using a commercial seed starter mix. It is usually better to sow seeds 2-3 per cell in a deep flat (cell counts vary). Cover very lightly with soil. I have found a 38 ct. 4 inch deep tray to work well allowing room for root growth and the least amount of disturbance when transplanting. However, commercial seeding trays can work if that is what is available. If the trays are to remain inside, the air temperature should be maintained between 65-75 degrees F. A heating pad can be used underneath to help with germination. Keep the soil moist by misting or spraying. Do not overwater! A plastic cover can be placed over the tray until germination. Light is very important for continued growth and can be obtained by using a fluorescent overhead fixture. A timer placed on the light source will assure 14-16 hours of needed light. Plants usually take 4-8 weeks to reach a stage where they can be moved to a cold frame to harden off. 3. If you would like to sow in trays outside, you can follow the same instructions above, eliminating the need for the cold stratification as the outside temps will take care of it. Just keep in a protected area and check occasionally, especially as the weather warms. They will need watering after the last frost. Also, rodents can be a problem. A wire mesh covering can help. Again, a simple cold frame can speed the germination and growing time, but requires more diligence.
GENERAL GROWING INFORMATION:
1. Planting Depth: 1 inch
2. Seed Spacing: 4-6”
3. Soil Moisture: dry
4. Spacing Between Rows: ---
5. Temperature: 65-75 degrees F
6. Days to Germination: 7-10
7. Spacing After Thinning: 2 inches
8. Days to Maturity: 120-130
Terms & Conditions:
Orders over $10 from this ad will be shipped with tracking,
Otherwise: Seeds will be shipped economy/standard or first class 2-10 day shipping after payment. We are a seller that caters to experienced gardeners -- although we try to have germination instructions on all of our listings, additional online researching is advised. Multiple orders of a single item will be combined into 1 zip lock bag. We are not responsible for buyer germination success; seeds have been tested. Seed count is approximate and packaged by weight. Seeds vary in size, weight is exact, and based upon empirical count, the quantity is estimated. Liability of the seller is limited to the cost of the item(s).
Zellajake Farm and Garden: "Seeds for all your planting needs" since 2013
Germination: Milkweed requires a cold, moist stratification period. This means that the seed after being harvested, dried and cleaned needs to have a “chilling” period. Nature’s method is done through the winter weather. To obtain similar results the seed should be mixed with moist sand, sealed in an airtight container, and placed in storage 33-38 degrees Fahrenheit. (A refrigerator works best).
The period of chilling varies with the species, A. syriaca requires 30 days of cold stratification. A. incarnata requires 30-90 days of cold stratification. Some growers opt to soak the A.incarnata seed in hot water (190 degree F.) for 12 hours. This process should be repeated for a total of 3 times before sowing the seed. 2. The seed can be sown in open trays using a commercial seed starter mix. It is usually better to sow seeds 2-3 per cell in a deep flat (cell counts vary). Cover very lightly with soil. I have found a 38 ct. 4 inch deep tray to work well allowing room for root growth and the least amount of disturbance when transplanting. However, commercial seeding trays can work if that is what is available. If the trays are to remain inside, the air temperature should be maintained between 65-75 degrees F. A heating pad can be used underneath to help with germination. Keep the soil moist by misting or spraying. Do not overwater! A plastic cover can be placed over the tray until germination. Light is very important for continued growth and can be obtained by using a fluorescent overhead fixture. A timer placed on the light source will assure 14-16 hours of needed light. Plants usually take 4-8 weeks to reach a stage where they can be moved to a cold frame to harden off. 3. If you would like to sow in trays outside, you can follow the same instructions above, eliminating the need for the cold stratification as the outside temps will take care of it. Just keep in a protected area and check occasionally, especially as the weather warms. They will need watering after the last frost. Also, rodents can be a problem. A wire mesh covering can help. Again, a simple cold frame can speed the germination and growing time, but requires more diligence.
GENERAL GROWING INFORMATION:
1. Planting Depth: 1 inch
2. Seed Spacing: 4-6”
3. Soil Moisture: dry
4. Spacing Between Rows: ---
5. Temperature: 65-75 degrees F
6. Days to Germination: 7-10
7. Spacing After Thinning: 2 inches
8. Days to Maturity: 120-130
Terms & Conditions:
Orders over $10 from this ad will be shipped with tracking,
Otherwise: Seeds will be shipped economy/standard or first class 2-10 day shipping after payment. We are a seller that caters to experienced gardeners -- although we try to have germination instructions on all of our listings, additional online researching is advised. Multiple orders of a single item will be combined into 1 zip lock bag. We are not responsible for buyer germination success; seeds have been tested. Seed count is approximate and packaged by weight. Seeds vary in size, weight is exact, and based upon empirical count, the quantity is estimated. Liability of the seller is limited to the cost of the item(s).
Zellajake Farm and Garden: "Seeds for all your planting needs" since 2013