A. syriaca & Roundup

[Dr. Rev Chuck, MD, PA]

Paul Cherubini wrote:
> 
> Dr. Rev Chuck, MD, PA wrote:
> >
> > Need to know how to grow asclepias syriaca from seeds collected last
> > fall and stored in an unheated shed.  Is a coldframe useful for
> > germination or hardening?
> 
> If you live in one of the northern states and the ground isn't frozen, but
> is moist, you could sow the seeds now. I rake the surface soil to loosen it, then scatter
> the seeds rather thickly, then add just enough soil to cover them. I
> also tap the soil surface to make sure the seeds are rather firmly embedded.
> 
> The reason I scatter the seeds thickly is because the biggest problem one has in
> getting the seedlings growing is competition from other weeds. Milkweed (A. syriaca)
> seedlings grow very slowly in mid-late spring and can be easily smothered
> by faster growing weeds. By sowing the milkweed seed thickly, the
> milkweed itself can help crowd out competing weeds.
> 
> Personally, I use Roundup to help combat competing weeds when trying to establish
> a milkweed stand on bare ground. I don't sow any milkweed seeds until after the
> competing weeds have already sprouted. Then I treat them with Roundup. In about 10
> days the competing weeds are history. I then rake the soil and sow the milkweed
> seed.
> 
> Since Roundup isn't exactly a ecosystem sterilant, I will still have to
> do some manual weeding after the milkweed seed sprouts because another
> batch of competing weeds will usually come up too.
> 
> Paul Cherubini

Coldframes will overheat if the lid is left shut, perhaps sufficiently enough to 
cook weeds prior to seeding.  I'm still doubtful about Roundup's nontoxicity, 
at least until Monsanto's CEO agrees to drink a couple shots.