09/11/2026
It's that time of year again!
🌱 It's Milkweed Harvesting Season! Help Us Plant the Future for Monarchs. 🦋
Those fluffy white parachutes floating on the breeze are a sure sign of fall—and they carry the future of the monarch butterfly! Saving and planting milkweed seeds is one of the most impactful things we can do to help these declining pollinators.
Our backyards can become vital waystations on their incredible migration journey. Here’s a quick guide to harvesting seeds responsibly:
Step 1: Choose & Open the Pod
Wait for the seed pod to dry and just begin to split open (usually brown). Gently pry it open at the seam and cut the main silk strand at the stem end.
Step 2: Remove the Seed Cluster
Carefully pull the entire seed follicle out of the pod. Do this over a bowl or bag to catch any loose seeds!
Step 3: Separate Seed from Floss
Hold the fluffy end tightly. Use your thumbnail to gently scrape down the follicle, against the direction of the floss. The mature, dark brown seeds will pop right off!
A Note on Responsible Harvesting:
Only take seeds from areas where you have permission.
Never take more than 1/3 of the seeds from any patch. Leave plenty for natural propagation and for other gardeners who might come by!
Focus on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) if it's native to your area.
Ready to help? This fall, let's turn our gardens into monarch havens! Share your own seed-saving tips or favorite milkweed varieties in the comments! 👇
