Hi Clifford-

Propagation of native California milkweeds is not like vegetative propagation of exotic perennial species. About the only way to successfully propagate our natives besides seeds is to allow them to form clumps for later division. I've had success this way with A. eriocarpa, A. fascicularis, and A. speciosa.

I read somewhere sometime back that vegetative propagation is possible with A. speciosa to a limited extent. Others have tried it with A. eriocarpa without success.

You could try taking slips and start them in a domed mini greenhouse with a gro light overhead, sitting on a heating mat. If you do, please update us on your findings!

I have seeds as indicated in my OP. I am not trying to graft or root from cuttings etc. I am just wanting the experienced input from folks like yourself on the best methods so I do not waste seeds. Thanks!

Clifford

I have broadcast seed and stomped it into the soil but I find it easier to either divide a clump or start from seed in my hot house. I have both fascicularis and speciousa. They bloom at different times so it spreads out the time you have butterflies. Last year I had monarchs from April until Dec. In Dec I was babysitting several as they went into pupa. Their person said about 1/2 that pupated had OE which is sad.

I have 6 now 3 as chrysalis and 3 almost there. I do not have a hot house. Any more specifics on propagating from seed w these varieties?

Thx

Clifford

You don't need a hothouse. Just keep them warm and maybe under a light. Another thing you can do is chip the seed in the refrig. and then plant it in the ground, it almost pops out. It all depends on where the seed is from. What color flowers are on the milkweed

North American species of milkweed need to have their seed cold stratified during the winter months in order to assure optimum germination, as mentioned by napapen.

Most methods use a cold, moist stratification. I've not had personal good luck using a moist medium, but rather a dry medium. I seem to grow molds better the moist way than germinate milkweed seed (or any other seed needing cold strat for that matter). Check out the two links below that will help teach you the technique(s):

How To Cold Stratify Seeds:

Cold Moist Stratification of Milkweed Seeds

Start them now, as the winter season is in full gear. I stratify mine for 6-8 weeks before planting. That will put you roughly in March for potting up or placing them in the ground. A. fascicularis is especially easy to germinate.

With A. fascicularis, you should be able to harvest seed the first year if your plants are growing strong and vigorous. A. speciosa may take two or three years before they set seed.

Keep us posted on your endeavors!