My plant propagation book states that many milkweed species need to be stratified before they will germinate properly. This means they need a "cold treatment" before germination. You can provide this by storing them in a refrigerator for several months and direct planting the seeds in the spring. Alternatively, you can simply plant the seeds now and let this winter's cold provide the stratification needed naturally. If you chose to produce seedlings, plant them out as soon as possible in the late spring. Still another choice would be to stratify them in the refrigerator and then start seedlings for transplanting early in the summer. However, most milkweeds have long taproots and don't do well if transplanted too late. I have found that self-sown "volunteers" are the sturdiest plants in my garden.
It's not too late for you to go out foraging looking for milkweed pods that still have seeds. Collect them and keep them in a sack until you are ready to stratify them and grow seedlings, or simply plant them now. For the annual species, remember to collect seed in the late summer and fall for next year. If the species chosen are perennials, remember, they may not flower until the second year.
If you would like to begin learning more about butterfly gardening, be sure to visit Butterfly and Hummingbird gardening. Another opportunity to learn more is my Gardenwithbutterflies email discussion group.
In a wheelchair? Limited mobility? No problem! Plant your flower row for the butterflies near your favorite garden bench, around your deck or patio, or even in a windowbox. You could also plant several nectar or larva food plants in containers on your porch. Everyone can participate in this endeavor, regardless of physical limitations.
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