In my experience as a horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I have come across milkweed pods that can hold an telling figure of seeds . It is bewitching to think that a undivided milkweed pod can moderate over 200 seeds ! This copiousness of seed is nature ’s style of ensure the survival and propagation of milkweed works .
When it come to harvesting milkweed pods , there are three independent options you may consider . The first pick is to leave the pods on the plant and permit nature take its course . This imply allowing the pods to naturally split open and free the seed when they are ready . By leaving the seedpod on the plant , you are essentially mimic the innate dispersal process of milkweed seed .
The second option is to manually start the seedpod and scatter the semen yourself . This can be done in tardy fall , when the pod have release browned and are juiceless . softly opening the pods and dispersing the seeds in your desired location can be a rewarding and hands - on experience . This method allows you to have more control over where the cum are plant and can be particularly useful if you are look to establish a milkweed universe in a specific surface area .
Lastly , you could also garner the milkweed pods and store them for future use . This can be done by cautiously cut or snapping off the pods from the plant . It is important to ensure that the pods are fully mature and dry before glean them . Once you have collect the pods , you’re able to store them in a coolheaded , juiceless place until you are quick to give them and scatter the seed .
In my own garden , I have experimented with all three methods of harvesting milkweed pods . Leaving the pod on the plant has allow me to mention the natural physical process of semen dispersal and the subsequent growth of novel milkweed plants in unexpected locations . open up the pods and scattering the seeds has cave in me the chance to cautiously select the expanse where I require milkweed to develop , such as near other pollinator - favorable plants or in specific garden layer . Collecting and hive away the pods has allowed me to save seeds for succeeding use or to share with fellow gardeners and enthusiasts .
Milkweed pods can contain a significant number of cum , with some fuel pod holding over 200 seeds . The alternative of what to do with the pods finally depends on your horticulture goals and preference . Whether you opt to allow for the seedcase on the plant , manually open them and spread out the seeds , or gather and put in the pods , the abundance of milkweed seeds ensures that these important pollinator plants have a prospect to thrive and continue supporting wildlife in your garden or natural habitat .
Caroline Bates
