My milkweed seedlings are very happy! I'm just wondering if anyone knows how long I can keep them in such a shallow container? I know they have a long taproot. I just didn't expect them to grow so fast! They only just sprouted a little over a week ago. Transplanting them outdoors is risky this early in the season, as I am still getting snow/frost! 😬 What should I do?
honestly i would just stick them in larger pots once they're strong enough to handle the transition. so probably once they have their first two sets of leaves.
2 likes Yeah, this is what I'll probably have to do... I was really hoping not to have to transplant twice. I've heard that that's risky for milkweed, given its long taproot.
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Oh my gosh I have so much milkweed in summer in my yard. Be sure to contain it as it will take over the universe. Also when seed pods come in in late summer check for butterfly cocoons befor removing them as removing cocoons will kill the butterfly inside.
2 likes Ah! To be overrun by milkweed is my dream. 🥲 The deer in my area have grown a taste for it, so my patch hasn't spread like I'd hoped. Also, not enough milkweed in past seasons for butterflies' interest. I'm hoping that this year will change that (thus the sprouts)! Do you get a lot of butterflies in your yard due to your milkweed?
0 likes Yes mostly monarchs. Mine are in a large planting bed and they usually spread into the surrounding area. South Denver warm weather around April is when I direct sow them, but I actually haven't had to the past few years and quite a few volunteers show up!
1 like That sounds amazing! 🤩 Yeah, the past two years I've direct sown outdoors in either fall or early spring for natural stratification. But it was this last summer that my deer discovered their taste for milkweed, which is why I have to start them indoors this time. The established plants can survive some deer damage, but I'd be worried about seedlings.
0 likesYou should not move them at all. They should grow in that little pot until they are root bound or at least have lots of roots. By that time you can probably either put them in the ground or put them in a larger pot and grow them a little longer before putting them in the ground. You should be able to tip the plant out of the little cell and have the root ball hang together before moving it.
1 like Got it! I am just worried because some of the roots are touching the bottom of the container. I'm worried it's not deep enough to establish its taproot.
0 likesAround me in Iowa there are perennial milkweed that come up year after year from the root so there's no need for resewing. Also, aphids are quite attracted to milkweed. If you see them don't spray them with pesticide, even organic because there could be caterpillars and you would kill them also. If you're looking to attract butterflies you might consider purchasing a monarch chrysalis. The milkweed is the host plant for the monarch and you could perhaps start a trend!
1 likeI would not worry about that Taproot. It will develop side roots and when it gets in the ground The tap Root can develop.
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