Common Milkweed Pollinator Seed Plot Strings, 9 Seed/Clay Clusters Per String2023 crop78% germination ratePollinator seed plot strings provide a simple method to establish milkweed plots. Milkweed seeds and clay are dried at 18 inch intervals on a 12-foot cotton string. The clay protects the seeds from critters during the planting and germination process. The clay also provides an environmentally friendly method for seed packaging and planting. The string simplifies seed handling and sizing of your milkweed plot. Everyone can help the Monarch Butterfly – from a eco-minded large-scale crop farmer, to a pesticide free organic farmer, to teachers with classroom gardening projects, to a container gardener, to a gardening enthusiast. Thanks for your support!Amy and Jeff www.milkweedmonarchy.comPA Department of Agriculture Seed License ID: 007FJY More DetailsFour strings are included in the pollinator seed plot string kit. Shown below is a single string.Pollinator Seed Plot StringThe pollinator seed plot strings simplify planting because the clay-encased seeds are spaced at the recommended planting interval of 18”. Each clay cluster contains 10-12 seeds which will ensure multiple seed germination per interval since typical germination rate is about 80%. Nine clusters fit on a 12-foot string. Pollinator Seed Plot String The clay cluster protects the seeds from critters during germination.Clay Cluster Containing Milkweed SeedsThe 12-foot string offers many options for the size of your milkweed plot. With the four-string kit, there are multiple possibilities of plot dimensions to fit your available Milkweed plot location. Suggested Milkweed Plot Layout OptionsPlanting and Plant CareThe ideal time to plant milkweed seeds is the winter or spring time, so cold and wet conditions will stimulate germination (known as cold stratification). If planting in late spring, placing the clusters in the refrigerator in a wet paper towel for a week will improve germination. The planting directions are simple:1. Choose fast-draining soil. Most sunny locations will work. Along houses and fence lines are ideal since they are out of the way of mowing.. 2. Dig small holes at 18 inch intervals. (no need to dig up entire plot – the Milkweed plant will eventually grow faster than grass and most weeds) 3. Water regularly until seeds germinate. After plants begin growing, further watering is necessary only in the driest conditions. PLAYCommon Milkweed RangePlease see green areas for the range of the Common Milkweed variety. If you are not in a green state, consult www.plantmilkweed.org for the milkweed variety native to your state. Other varieties will be offer for sale at our website: www.milkweedmonarchy.comCommon Milkweed RangePlant CareWhat’s cool about the milkweed plant is that it requires minimal care. Once the roots are developed, milkweed will come back year after year. Flowers and pods develop normally after the first year. It is easy to control simply by mowing around the boarder of your plot. Established Milkweed PlotButterfly/Caterpillar Food and SeedsOnce your plot is established, flowers will blossom in early summer and will attract the Monarch Butterfly and other pollinator insects such as the honey bee. Soon you will discover tiny yellow and black caterpillars that will quickly grow by eating the Milkweed leaves. In a couple of weeks, the Monarch chrysalis will form. About ten days later, the Monarch Butterfly will emerge, find a mate and eggs will be laid on the Milkweed to start a new generation. Later in the summer, pods will form on the Milkweed plant and the leaves will no longer regenerate. Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed Plant Monarch Caterpillar Feeding on Milkweed PlantAround the first frost, the milkweed pods will begin to split and release the seeds that float in the air on strands of floss. We recommend that the pods be collected before seeds are released, so unwanted milkweed plant propagation will not occur. Most farmers to not want the milkweed plant growing in their fields. Please be considerate of your neighbors! The seeds can be separated from the pods by shaking the seeds and floss in a bag. The seeds then can be planted or donated to organizations such as Monarch Watch. This organization accepts donated seeds and uses them in their milkweed restoration project. The milkweed floss has excellent insulation properties and can be used to stuff pillows. The empty pods are popular with crafters for making wreaths and other items.Milkweed Pods Poofing – Time to Collect the PodsMonarch MigrationIn the fall, the final generation of the Monarch Butterfly migrates each year to Mexico from the northern parts of the U.S. and Canada. Monarch Butterfly Fall MigrationDuring the migration monarch butterfly depends on pollinator plants, like Milkweed, for food. Three to four generations are required to complete the northern return trip in the spring. The butterflies breed and lay eggs only on milkweed plants on the way back north. Monarch Butterfly Spring MigrationThe eggs hatch into caterpillars and one month later, they turn into butterflies and continue their migration north.Decline of Milkweed through PesticidesThe increased use of “Round Up” ready crops has decimated the milkweed plant along with the Monarch butterfly – 90% reduction over the last 20 years. Farmers spray their fields with weed killer which kills all plants, then grow genetically engineered crops that are resistant to the weed killer. 90% Drop In Monarch Butterfly PopulationCrop yield is increased, but at the expense of the health of the environment. The chemical in most weed killer, glycophosphate, is carcinogenic and we really shouldn’t be using it at all. ConclusionWe hope you consider purchasing these pollinator seed plot strings to help the Monarch Butterfly. Thanks for your help!