Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_10.gif)
Wednesday - July 29, 2015
From: Pleasanton, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Butterfly Gardens, Propagation, Seeds and Seeding, Shade Tolerant, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Growing Green milkweed vine from seed
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I was given some seed for the pearl milkweed vine which I intend to plant, but I can find no information on whether to stratify or scarify them or just plant them. I know some milkweeds require stratification and others scarification, but have been unable to find anything about these. Help!ANSWER:
I have found no special technique for germinating Matelea reticulata (Green milkweed vine) seed. It seems to be assumed that all our local native milkweed seed respond well to the same preplanting treatment. Here is a procedure recommended by Native American Seed. It involves washing out natural inhibitors and then stratification. Scarification doesn't seem necessary. Good luck in your efforts. This milkweed is a host plant for the endangered Monarch butterfly.
From the Image Gallery
More Seeds and Seeding Questions
When to harvest bluebonnet seeds in Hurst TX
April 12, 2009 - Can I harvest the Blue Bonnet Seeds now (April) or do I have to wait until they dry up & pods begin to open?
view the full question and answer
Germination of Purple Clematis from Junction TX
October 31, 2013 - I have some Purple Leather Vine seeds I want to share and want help learning to germinate. Can anyone there help me find interested recipients?
view the full question and answer
Sharing Selfheal with Texas Friends
April 25, 2013 - I have discovered selfheal plants in my yard. When and how do I collect the seeds or do I just dig up plants to share with friends? I understand this is actually an herb. I love identifying wildflower...
view the full question and answer
Why Did Gaillardia and Aquilegia Changed Color?
June 26, 2013 - Both a Gaillardia pulchella and two red columbines bloomed normally last summer, but this summer the Gaillardia's petals are all yellow and one columbine is white and the other is yellow. What caused...
view the full question and answer
Allowing Habiturf to seed out in Austin TX or Austin OR
November 21, 2013 - What does it mean to let habiturf "go to seed?" Do I need to wait for all the seeds to drop before that is true? Or, if I mow it when there are seed heads, will those seeds provide new plants in the...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |