Common Milkweed Planting Instructions

Why Plant Common Milkweed?

Common Milkweed is native to North America, but despite its name, it’s not a weed. Regarded as a “fugitive species”, common milkweed has the capability to populate over large areas of land, due to the plant’s pods dispersing up to 200 seeds into the wind.

However, this is not a harmful occurrence, on the contrary it is beneficial to insects, primarily monarch butterflies, who utilize the plant as a food source, shelter for eggs, and protection from predators. While milkweed has the capability to disperse it’s seeds rapidly, the success of weed management has dwindled the population, since milkweed populates many areas that need to be maintained. Planting common milkweed in your yard can promote a healthier ecosystem in your area.

Soil For Common Milkweed

Common milkweed strives in dry to medium average, well-drained soil, however, it can tolerate dry and rocky conditions and is well-adaptable to various environments.

When to Plant Common Milkweed

• Fall Planting – Planting common milkweed during the fall is the most ideal time, since the seeds need to undergo a freezing and thawing cycle. The best time to plant the seeds is from September 1^st to when the soil freezes. Follow the process in the Planting the Seeds Outside.
• Spring Planting – Since common milkweed seeds must undergo a freezing and thawing cycle, deciding to plant them in spring will take more effort. In order to mimic this process:

1. 1. Wet two pieces of paper towel, wring out the excess water.
   2. Place one of the wet pieces of paper towel inside a large zip-close plastic bag.
   3. Scatter the milkweed seeds on top of the wet piece of paper towel and place the other piece of paper on top of the seeds.
   4. Zip the plastic bag closed and place flat in a refrigerator – leave undisturbed for at least six weeks.
   5. Then plant the seeds in early spring – keep the soil moist when the plant sprouts.

• Winter Planting – Although not the most desirable and reliable time to plant milkweed, the seeds can be thrown into large pile of snow and some will sprout in springtime.

Planting the Seeds Outside

Depending on the time of year (see the When to Plant Common Milkweed section), planting the seeds may be more of a process, however, the following steps can be used when the time is ready to plant the seeds:

1. 1. Clear an area that will receive plenty of sun in the spring and summer.
   2. Remove any existing vegetation and loosen the soil by raking.
   3. Scatter the seeds in the soil and rake the soil to work the seeds within.

• • • The seeds should sit around 0.25 of an inch below the surface.

1. 4. Cover the area with leaves or straw, but do not pack it down, as airflow is necessary.
   5. Mark the area to recall the planting site.
   6. Wait until spring for the plant to sprout.

Planting the Seeds Inside

If planting in spring indoors, the following process may be done:

1. 1. Make sure seeds have undergone the freezing and thawing process.
   2. Fill a pot 0.75 of the way with seed-starting soil and moisten until damp.
   3. Place one or two seeds in each pot and cover with 0.25 inch of soil.
   4. Water the seeds from the bottom to the top, using a pan under the pot and adding 0.5 an inch of water.
   5. Place in a sunny area and around two weeks later they will begin to sprout.
   6. In spring, transport the plants into the ground and allow the growth to continue.

Printable Instructions:

Planting Common Milkweed Instructions