How to Collect Milkweed Seeds

Pod and seed of Asclepias, more commonly known as milkweed.

Common milkweed, or Asclepias syriaca, grows in fields, along roadsides and in open meadows. Milkweed is the only plant source the monarch caterpillar can eat and is essential for the survival of the monarch butterfly. Many people grow milkweed to attract and raise monarch butterflies, but hummingbirds and other butterfly species are also drawn to its nectar. Milkweeds flower from June to August, and some of the flowers produce large, healthy seed pods. Harvest seeds before the pod is fully mature if you'd like to grow your own milkweed.

Things You'll Need

• Small paper bag
• Resealable plastic sandwich bag

Instructions

1. Check your seedpods by squeezing them lightly. If they split, pick them.

2. Dry freshly collected pods in an open area with good circulation for one day.

3. Strip out the seeds with your fingers and place them in a paper bag. They should be brown in color. Discard any pale or white seeds.

4. Fold and secure the top of your paper bag and shake the bag vigorously. This will separate the floss (white strands) from the seeds.

5. Cut a small opening in one of the lower corners of your paper bag. Try not to let any of the contents out while doing so. The hole should be just big enough for seeds to pass through.

6. Open your resealable plastic sandwich bag and place it over the hole you just cut in the paper bag. Shake the seeds from the paper bag into the plastic bag and reseal.

7. Store dried seeds in a cool, dry place that is protected from insects and mice.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not pick if the pod doesn't split in your hand. Let it mature and check back another time.

References

• Monarch Watch: Growing Milkweeds
• Live Monarch: Monarch Facts and Information
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Milkweed Fact Sheet