Raising Monarchs - Seed Scarification Experiment (Help The Monarch Butterfly)

Seed scarification is the natural weathering and damaging of a seed's casing. If growing milkweed, is this something we can do that will benefit our efforts? Do we need to do it? And even if we don't need to, is there still a benefit if we choose to? What techniques are better or worse? We can read plenty of internet blogs and pages that have opinions on this topic from every angle, but I say, evidence always speaks louder than words. Time to put seed scarification to the test!
Special Note: This episode was filmed in late July of 2020 through early August of 2020. I wanted to put this out much earlier, but a worldwide pandemic sorta got in the way. Thank you to all who haven't faltered and knew I'd be back at it. Your words have helped a very rough two years. Thank you.
Start here!
Raising Monarchs Instructional Video Series Parts 1 - 5:
• Raising Monarchs Part ...
Milkweed Instructional Video Series Parts 1 - 4:
• Planting Milkweed Part...
I have different uses for milkweed. Some are for caterpillar food. Some for seeds. This is some food for thought if you're getting into this long term.
"Milkweed Categories" - • Raising Monarchs - Mil...
Quick Tip for getting seedlings started:
"TP Core Sprouts" - • Raising Monarchs - TP ...
Sanitation instruction:
"Sanitation" - • Raising Monarchs - San...
Risks of overcrowding and tips to avoid it:
"Overcrowding" - • Raising Monarchs - Ove...
Outdoor rearing example:
"Outdoor Rearing" - • Raising Monarchs - Out...
Discussion of the outdoor rearing University of Chicago study:
"Captive Rearing And Migration" - • Raising Monarchs - Cap...
Issues that can occur with the chrysalis:
"Chrysalis Issues" - • Raising Monarchs - Chr...
How to bleach treat eggs:
"OE Parasite Prevention" - • Raising Monarchs - OE ...
How to bleach treat leaves:
"Preventing NPV and Other Infections" - • Raising Monarchs - Pre...
How to make a proper honey/water solution and feed adult Monarchs (or any butterfly):
"How To Feed Adults" - • Raising Monarchs - How...
Options for when an adult can not successfully fly:
"When Adults Can't Fly" - • Raising Monarchs - Whe...
What the experts have to say about OE Parasites and when to euthanize:
"Should We Euthanize?" - • Raising Monarchs - Sho...
Discussion on the life cycle of OE Parasites and how they affect the Monarch Butterflies:
"What Are OE Parasites?" - • Raising Monarchs - Wha...

[@GramsHouse1962]

I live in South Louisiana. Found 3 adult caterpillars on the milkweed in my garden eating a couple of weeks ago. Next day there were 2 left. So I decided to take them in away from the birds. Those two J hung from the top of my habitat on Oct. 3 and I watched them change into chrysalis. That started a journey that I wasn't expecting to be on. But I am retired so I have a lot of free time for this. I have a few of the pretty butterfly milkweed in my garden but decided I needed more so I went to the local plant nursery and got 6 more plants. I received a bonus with one caterpillar on one of the plants and a chrysalis hanging on the side of one of the planters. I thank you for all of your videos as I have learned a lot. I gave one chrysalis and one caterpillar with a milkweed plant to my niece, a chrysalis to my grandson and plan to give away another to another grandchild. I released one butterfly last week and I have 3 chrysalis left here. One of them I found at the bottom of the habitat the day after I saw it J-hanging on a fence in a peculiar spot and tried to save it. So I know that it formed chrysalis while laying on the bottom of the habitat. It is a bit flat on one side and had some black spots on it so I am concerned. It turned a pretty blue last night and I found it black this morning as expected. I can see the wings and one side looks a bit odd but I know it is going to hatch today. I am presently awaiting with the habitat right next to me like an expecting mother. I have read a lot online as well and wondering about something. I read that the butterflies that hatch out this late will live a good few months longer than the ones that hatched earlier? Also, as we do not have harsh winters here in La. will they still all fly to Mexico?

[@tvilla33]

Yay! So glad to see you back at it! 💗 I know the past 2 years were a little "hectic"--to say the least. Hope things are a bit better now. 🙏

[@MrLundScience]

Thank you, Theresa. Hectic, yes. Better now? I would have to say yes as well.

[@debraaurandt4228]

Happy Happy you Are back!!

[@MrLundScience]

As am I. Thank you.

[@Dobviews]

OH!!! YAY!!! You are back! Happy Dance!!! I have five eggs just treated this morning. Day 4! Mr. Lund, thank you so much for every tidbit of info! I think I have watched all your videos like 10 times all the way through. I am soo happy to see you back, missed you and was a little concerned. Always know your fans (students) are here to support and cheer you on. 🐛🦋🐛🦋

[@MrLundScience]

I appreciate that very much. I hope your five are doing well...perhaps hatching today? At any rate, they're in good hands! Good luck!

[@Dobviews]

@@MrLundScience Not yet, no dark spots yet but all healthy and accounted for. I check them every 6 hours. One has a tiny dark spot. Impatiently waiting! Thanks for the response and all your awesome videos. I have 10 kids in my flutterby troup and all of us have milkweed patches and eggs. All together we have 111 eggs. I just got my numbers last night in our meeting! Super happy!

[@donnasaverino8949]

Oh My G!!!! I'm sooo glad to see you back! Every day I think of you while looking for eggs. Donna from Royal Oak

[@cweimer30]

I am EXTREMELY happy to see you are back doing what you love to do!!!! Have missed you and your vast knowledge! WELCOME BACK!! Love & hugs!!

[@Liannabelle8]

Glad you're back!! Having a sloooow year in Ontario this year so I'm focused on planting more milkweed so this video is super helpful for me! Thanks!!

[@MrLundScience]

I'm at a new residence than what is shown in all previous videos...and thus, I have some milkweed to plant this year too! Definitely soaking the seeds for germination has made things easier. I wish you luck with your new sprouts!

[@markjoslin9912]

Glad to see you back. This is our first year of raising monarchs. We found 15 caterpillars on our milkweed and have released 9 so far. We have 5 still in chrysalis and one late caterpillar still eating milkweed leaves. Your videos have helped immensely. Thank you from Ohio

[@ashleighnelson512]

So glad to see you posting monarch/ milkweed content again! Feels like the world is finally getting back to "normal" 😅 Love your Black Sabbath BLM shirt too btw 💜

[@MrLundScience]

I love that shirt so much, I'm going to wear it to threads!

[@pattireichel1307]

Glad you are back. I have missed your videos and information

[@shellylaverneable]

Hello from California, It’s so good to see a monarch video from you! We all value your advice so much, take care ✌🏼💕🦋

[@veronicadefrancesco618]

I wish we had the milkweed with the huge leaves like he has , have you found any?

[@shellylaverneable]

@@veronicadefrancesco618 I don’t think the common mw would survive here. Too dry…

[@majesticgardener5862]

So glad you’re back! You’re making such a difference in the Monarch world. I’m always referring people to your videos. Thank you!

[@sarahvanderkleed4764]

Just discovered your channel and have binged all the monarch videos out of desperation. My monarchs are having a BAD year. I'm in Northern Michigan. Finally figured out, thanks to you, that EO is the issue. Super devastating. Thank you for doing all you do for monarchs!!!! Stay strong!!

[@mythicgamingmk1105]

Yay a new raising monarchs video yoir back

[@MrLundScience]

I'm back...and in a new area...and that area needs milkweed!

[@moreisee]

I used a fingernail clipper to lightly clip the pointed end of 25 balloon plant milkweed seeds and sowed them in a seed starting mix. I also planted 25 unclipped seeds at the same time. Two weeks later I've had six clipped seeds sprout and zero unclipped sprout.

[@MrScaryPasta]

Yay! So glad you’re back! The butterfly conservation community missed you! I myself am raising butterflies right now. They’re not monarchs though. They’re gulf fritillaries. I’ve had success raising them in doors. I’ve also worked on the successful conservation of the cabbage whites as well. Raising butterflies is fun. It’s such an amazing and beautiful process to watch. It makes me happy knowing I’m helping these little guys and giving them a better chance at survival. Nature is very cruel to butterflies, but to caterpillars especially.

[@joannmaciorowski8386]

Glad you're back. You give the best information! Just reattached a fallen chrysalis and you've given me hope all will be well!

[@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907]

Welcome back! Nice video as always.

[@Atlas81955]

Great series! Fed my first little girl using your method, bottle top worked best. Lost a few but have made steady improvement with your Help!

[@Finilikescoloring12]

Mr. Lund I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge with us about the Monarchs, I have learned so much from you ( Wisconsin )

[@amendria]

Omg a new video!

[@kellykurt8339]

I enjoyed yout exoeriments. Thay didn't cover every Possibility but gave me insight into possibilities. The scientific method is the gold standard in reliability.

[@emh6021]

Happy to see you uploading again!

[@alexstrouse6333]

I might try the dirt scarification and putting them in water, I just have to get more seeds, the seeds that I got maybe two years ago, were bad when I got them for free from the mail. Glad you’re back, I hope you saw how well my milkweed is growing on Instagram, I got 9 plants so far.

[@MrLundScience]

You do have a healthy crop going, as far as the IG can see. Great job, Alex!

[@jamiearty]

Wow! That was a really cool experiment! Thank you for shedding some light on the topic. I really enjoyed this video. Your enthusiasm is amazing! Oh and I really like your BLM t-shirt too. 🦋

[@carolynmelchor3466]

I just started raising monarchs and I learned everything from you!

[@youmakethecall99]

Love this content Rich.. keep this going!!!

[@youmakethecall99]

And I truly applaud your fight to make your life better!!

[@MrLundScience]

Thank you. I'll do my best!

[@Mike_Genisys]

What worked for me was using a Pellet Pro Seed Starting Greenhouse .. soo simple to get things started.

[@KCBfly25]

Yay! Our favorite monarch guy is back!!😊🐛🦋

[@sekushimitsukai330]

Glad you are back at it! Your videos have inspired me to plant 3 different types of native milkweed plants and rear my own monarchs I find in the wild. I am having quite a bit of success 🙌 I had a question on a subject I haven't seen in any of your videos yet. Do you mist your chysolides? I read mixed things about keeping them moist so they don't dehydrate.

[@kellykurt8339]

I have dozens and dozens, of milkweeds. I planted at least a hndred. Thanks dude.

[@Ashley-lx9wr]

I'm so happy you are back! The paper towel method didn't work for me so I'm going to try this method. Thank you for your video, it'll definitely help me try this again. Quick question for you... Have you ever had an egg black tip for over 24 hours? I've never seen this before and I keep checking it multiple times a day with a magnifying glass to make sure it's not the whole egg turning black. Just the tip is black, as per usual, and I can see the 2 little black dots of the filaments right below... But nothing has happened. Ever experienced a late bloomer like this?

[@bennettssciencechannel2563]

I love your content!

[@MrLundScience]

Thank you. Very much appreciated!

[@jcoats1203]

I raised approximately 100 monarchs summer of 2021 and not only have I not raised 1 this year I have only observed 1 monarch this entire summer and I have a pretty good idea where they should be. Anyone else finding less butterflies this year? I live in SW Missouri.

[@saltlifegull4091]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing

[@fishingpinky3165]

Just found your channel a few months ago. Live in Central Florida. Still trying to figure all this out. I have one Chrysalis now after raising it from an egg. Predators got so many eggs/cats in the first round. Momma just laid several eggs again a few days ago (July 1) so I brought them all inside. Noticed a wasp on the milkweed while I was collecting the eggs. Praying I have enough MW to raise them all. I am just surprised they are laying eggs in July here in Florida.

[@nancymcmonarch]

Glad to know the thumbtack method was a bust, because it looked like a major pain to do. My MAIN takeaway, however, is that I must start eating more Talenti ice cream. No longer must I choose between chocolate and pistachio . . . now I can have both! Anything to further science along. 😄

[@jeannineeckelkamp2225]

Wondering if I should cut my MW down and how far so I have fresh MW for the fall migration?

[@steve37341]

Do they need MW for Fall migration? Those are the Monarchs that spend Winter in Mexico. They do need other flowers for food/nectar though. Xerces Society has a good book on which plants depending on which area you are located.

[@gloriahernandez5734]

Hi Mr.. Lund, I have learned so much from you in the past years. Thank you. I live in Central Mexico. My name is Gloria Hernandez. I have been protecting Monarchs here for more than 10 years. I just 2 days ago realized the butterfly DOES NOT HAVE 6 legs. Do you know why???? My butterfly group and I are amazed.

[@karlenekrause8568]

What does it mean to us now that monarchs are on the endangered list. It’s a tough summer for me to find eggs etc

[@bennettssciencechannel2563]

Cool

[@cbooher3]

Thank you for posting your milkweed seed experiments. I've had miserable results with cold stratification then planting the seeds in pots. I started scarifying seeds by clipping a tiny amount off the sharp end and soaking them in water. Doing that, I have about 70% of them germinate within 5 days. Question: Are you soaking the seeds in a dark place or light?

[@Chopperdoll]

I’ve learned so much from your videos. 🙏🏼 How do Monarchs get OE? I’m nervous about collecting eggs because milk weed leaves shrivel up. I can’t keep it fresh for them to eat. How many times a day should I pick leaves and is there a certain time of day to pick them? I just bought 4 common milkweed plants but still tee small to feed them. I’m new at this. Swallowtail butterflies are easy to care for and the leaves last longer.

[@freebutterfly102]

I’m trying to grow seeds indoors in November. Already been cold wet stratification for 3months in refrigerator. Most seeds I already planted outside 2 months ago, they’re sprouting and doing great. Of course slowing down because nights are now in 30* degree temps. Now I want to start more seeds inside the house. So they’re ready for Spring Is it ok to Keep them growing indoors In house in our 68* temp near plant light or do I have to move them outside in 30~50* temps? I have Showy Milkweed native to my area. Will they be safe grown indoors until Spring? Or once they get 4 inches or larger do I have to move them outside plant in dirt? I’m new to milkweed and any advice so greatly appreciated. I want them ready to help Monarchs ASAP. New Subbie and been binge watching all your videos.

[@kalap9468]

I have then clipping the tip of the seed off, they sprout much faster that way!

[@19Photographer76]

Well, the fires in CA and Southern OR have really alter the migratory pattern northbound. I only had 1 male on my milkweed (that I saw) but no eggs from quick females. For those that don't know, I'm a little west of Eugene, OR. I feel that the Monarchs find my milkweed from the scent.

[@sarahvanderkleed4764]

Sorry, I "said" EO...meant OE.

[@steve37341]

Do you use distilled water when soaking the seeds? How often do you change the water?

[@urwhatueat2170]

I typically see my first monarch at the end of May. Today is July 16th and I still have not seen one. There is at least 1 around because a have 4 eggs. But I am worried by the lack of sightings.

[@MrLundScience]

I can sometimes find eggs before July, but when I do, it's usually not too many. Once July hits, Michigan tends to have enough eggs out there to make searching for them more time effective. Still, it's taken me until mid-July to find the two that I have. So...you're not alone. It's been slow for me as well.

[@susansmith6680]

Good experiment

[@MrLundScience]

Why thank you!

[@sennstrato7281]

It's been ANOTHER terrible year. I raised 6 Monarch butterflies in the early spring and that's it. I have lots of milkweed and nothing has been chomped on. I have a huge patch of Zinnias and Cosmos. I've seen about a dozen monarchs on them,several black and tiger Swallowtails. The end is nigh.

[@kellykurt8339]

I start my tropical milkweed seeds indoors in late March. I have cold stratified them and put them on a warming pad. They are slow to germinate. It isn't until I eventually bring the trays outdoors, that they starrt. I have scarified seeds before, but not milkweed. I have 'raised' monarchs for over 5 years. To do so involves Having milkweed as early as possible.Monarchs have been rare lately at 42 dedgrees latiitude and 90 west.

[@Stevelemontrudy]

May I ask where you live? I've read that it can be problematic to attract monarchs with tropical milkweed outside of that types natural habitat. It's suspected that it tricks the monarch into thinking it's geographically somewhere else and may inhibit migration. Let me know your thoughts and best of luck this season!

[@lepidlover0557]

I encourage you to plant Native Milkweeds as it is more attractive to the fauna native to your area and it helps conserve that particular species by providing a safe space to grow and reproduce. Also, it's been concluded that Tropical Milkweed can become problematic in areas that it's not native to IF it doesn't die back in the fall and winter as there is a parasite referred to as OE and it builds up and reproduces on the milkweed plant. It dies with the milkweed plant so if the plant survives, so does the parasite.

[@msnsistersquad9498]

Should I take all the monarch caterpillars and eggs on my milkweed plant or should I leave a few behind so they come back?

[@meganmakescakes]

Does tagging monarch butterflies affect their ability to mate? Since they prefer partners with symmetry.

[@Amber12332]

I commented earlier that I was having trouble with one of caterpillars. I went ahead and took it out of the cage and placed it on a few paper towels and a few hours when I went to check on it,it had turned into a crystalis . Do I need to hang it. I do know that you can't touch it for at least 24 hours but other than that this is the first time I've experienced this and I don't know what to do. Could you please give me some advice . Thanks 🐛

[@rainydaze1538]

Hi…we have wild milk weed and wild caterpillars…but as of today 9/30/22 we have about 25 caterpillars still growing. Just had a butterfly come out of cocoon today. But my question is do these late bloomers need help…? Should I gather them up for protection?

[@lorithompson9166]

Why do some of my freshly emerged butterflies fall down just after they emerge? We pick them up and they fall again. We had 50 chrysalis and five of them now failed to hang until their wings formed. 😧

[@designandbuildguy]

Mr. Lund, I know it may sound crazy but I have raised 14 Monarchs from caterpillar to butterfly in the past 8 weeks, what do I do with them now, afraid to let them go because it is middle of winter. They are healthy but I am at a loss as to what I should do with them. Thanks for your input.

[@diannaward36]

Hi. I have a issue. Wonder if you can help. I have a chrysalis that while pupating the last part that drops did not. It’s still hooked to the black stem. Chrysalis is formed. Should I remove and if so how? Thanks for your help.

[@Trainiac]

Is it ok if the seeds sink to the bottom of the water?

[@traceyropitzky9106]

If all my Monarchs did not do well this year, do I fear disease in the seeds? Raised about 30 caterpillars ranging from 1st-5th instar... had OE, fly maggots, and Wasps. Still have 20 in Chrysalis, but a few do not look well.Thoughts?

[@barbaraleoni9324]

I was so excited to find this Chrysalis in the woods. I found the Chrysalis on 9/20.22 (is this a 4 generation?) isn't that kind of late? It has been 11 days and I keep in front of the window. Is it to cold there? Should I put it by a lamp next to the window so it get a little heat? Do all Chrysalis get born? If not what happens to the Chrysalis? And if it gets born isn't it to cold to release it (Ohio)? It is in the low 60 degrees doing the day and low 40 degrees at night. Is this poor thing going to make it if I release it? Or do I have to keep it till it dies? Could this Chrysalis have OE? This is my first Chrysalis. Please give me some advise what you would with releasing this Chrysalis. Thank you... By the way your series are awesome. I have already plant a butterfly garden with milkweed and have plenty of seed that I will be planting this fall.

[@Amber12332]

I have a situation and I was hoping you could help me. I raise monarchs and grow milkweed and I have seen plenty of my caterpillars J-hang for up to 2days before they turn to a crystalis ,well i just had one to hang and it just fell out of nowhere and he's alive but won't move. Do you know what I can do to help???? PLEASE

[@Wolf-tk6dk]

Is there any way I can get the name or a link to the song you use for your intros???

[@Soupbone45]

I have an argument that I hope you can settle between my wife and I. I say I’m raising monarch butterflies but she says I’m raising caterpillars? Who is right?

[@theoverlyemotionalfemale203]

Hey, question…for the third time, one of my monarchs has been unsuccessful during the pupation process.. in its process of shedding its caterpillar layer while forming the chrysalis, it starts the process, gets maybe a third of the way done and then dies…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong but literally between this year and last, I’m 0-3 because the same exact thing as described has happened. Do you have any ideas?

[@kellykurt8339]

Have you connsidered temperature as a value inyour experiments?

[@kellykurt8339]

Does light help or hurt?

[@littlemonster2146]

Hey so I live in Florida and so far 4 of 4 monarchs I've hatched have oe. I have put them down, much to my dismay. I'm pretty discouraged because I'm afraid I won't have ANY healthy ones without OE, and I feel like a terrible person raising these guys just to kill them all. I have 10 more in chrysalides, my question is do you think there is any hope, and if it turns out this entire batch is infected, is putting them all down still right to do, and is there any hope in keeping on trying?

[@littlemonster2146]

I really care about them I dont want to be raising butterflies to make the population sicker :( it's just really screwed here it seems. Do you think i will find healthy ones ? I know you don't live here but

[@LilKohana]

I have a question for you, I brought in a handful of eggs to my setup last week and they’ve hatched and are growing well already, but one seems significantly smaller than the ones that hatched at the same time. It’s been a long time since I’ve raised any but it seems odd, is this normal?

[@manojphadnis8595]

I like it this video

[@mythicgamingmk1105]

I have caterpillars right now

[@Dobviews]

I have 5 eggs. I am in Ohio, where are you? Hope your cats are happy and bringing a great deal of colorful joy to your day. I love this season best!

[@mythicgamingmk1105]

We had our first two butterflies

[@Dobviews]

@@mythicgamingmk1105 I just released 1 today, 4 to go

[@puddingcat25]

Mmmmm delicious talenti

[@conniealford1020]

Mr Lund, I contacted you 5 years Ago to ask you questions. I've lost your number and need another conversation. Since we last talked, I'm now known as momma monarch. Bci live in Florida, I'm able to release 100's a month. My best month was 850 in June. I am going to teach a master class at the butterfly center in my town. I've learned everything from you. Thank you. I do have some issues I'd love to talk to you about. If you still h have my number, can you please call me?? Or let me know how I can reach you. It's really important to me that I get this right and you are the only one I wish to get my info from. Thank you Connie Alford Stuart, Florida