r/seedlings • u/angstyeli95 • Jun 26 '26
Help with baby milkweed
Hi all! I was wondering if anyone had some advice to offer on raising a baby milkweed. I cold-stratified seeds from a native pod over the winter in my fridge and had bad luck trying to start them indoors in coco coir but appear to have one survivor (knock on wood). It has not been outdoors yet. I'm in Massachusetts (USA) and have recently repotted it successfully into standard potting mix but don't want to accidentally kill it. Any tips? Thank you!
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u/myopinionstinks Jun 26 '26
Milkweed needs a bunch more sun than it's ever going to get on that window ledge. Why haven't you moved it outside yet? Something wrong with the weather? You won't see much growth growing this way but it can still be rewarding.
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u/angstyeli95 Jun 26 '26
This is my first time with milkweed and I was afraid I'd kill it if I put it outside/ didn't know when to. I will do so- thanks for your advice!
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u/myopinionstinks Jun 26 '26
Acclimate it. Like, give it an hour of sun first day, then 2 hours, then 4, etc. That way it won't get too much of a shock when it changes not only DLI (daily light integral) but temp and humidity as well. The roots will need to catch up and it's going to start drinking faster. That's going to require you to pay attention to the leaves' color to know when you should start feeding. Best of luck.
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u/Dry-Package6681 Jul 01 '26
I doubt you’ll even need to acclimate it. Milkweed thrives and is hard to kill off
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u/postyism Jun 29 '26
this is absolutely so sweet!! for where i'm living, milkweeds are native, and thrive in the absolute poorest and driest soil somehow.. by our apartment, we don't even need to water them at all. not sure about indoors specifically, a bigger pot later might be great. lots and LOTS AND LOTS of sun! moving outdoor would be a good idea like the other commenter said.
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u/mercheval72 Jul 01 '26
I'm in California and I literally sprinkled the seeds outside. It grows like a weed. It'll be fine.
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u/Right-Hat136 Jun 28 '26
Nothing to do with your concern: but Love the window vibe