milkweed seeds

[early]

Thanks to all who responded with great advice on growing milkweed for the Monarchs. Like everything else I start, I probably will be addicted to the how to and excited every year if I get flowers in the springs.

I remember wild milkweed growing on the farm where I was raised in Missouri. I don't remember the flowers, just the stems that leaked milky looking sap when pressed.

Fuerte, your seed fiasco made me laugh. I can see the seeds flying like dandelion fluff all over your house.

I am happy to know there are resources in Albuquerque just north of me and the advice on different species of milkweed. In the fall I will try to get up there and check them out.

For now I have them on a wet paper towel, in a baggie and refrigerated to be sprouted in six weeks.
I have been exploring on google and youtube germination techniques for all kinds of seeds.
The one that looks most interesting is wet paper towel in a shallow dish and cover with clear plastic wrap for ease of observation and removal of seedlings. I am going to try that with my other seeds left over from last spring.

The most controversial post was the use of H2O2 in gemmation, 3%. half strength, 0.1% and various other suggestions. It is something to explore more. Perhaps with my county extension/master gardener class. I am planning on taking the full class again in Jan.
Again, Thanks for all the great suggestion for growing Milkweed. Most of the butterflies I see here are the small white ones. Maybe by next spring i will have Monarchs and other colorful ones. I saw a Monarch swarm, for lack of a better word, just north of Santa Cruz Calif. Every limb of every tree there were weighted down with orange, and those not resting there were flying around everywhere. It was very exciting to see.