Additional information isn't needed.
Milkweed tends to have a taproot, so they don't do as well in a container as they do in the ground. I have grown a few different varieties in containers with varying success. You may have to replace the plant yearly.
Monarchwatch.org says narrowleaf milkweed, Asclepias fascicularis, is good for the California Monarch waystation. It may need to be grown from seed, but check your local nurseries. The Xerces Society also recommends Kotolo milkweed, Asclepias eriocarpa, for Southern California. Monarch Watch includes showy milkweed, Asclepias speciosa, for Western states.
The tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) does well in containers, but it is surrounded by controversy that you may want to read up on before deciding whether to use it. Since it doesn't die back in winter, a buildup of the harmful protozoan parasite OE can occur. Some recommend cutting it back a couple times during the summer. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=43489
https://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/milkweed-profiles/asclepias-fascicularis/
https://monarchwatch.org/waystations/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/attracting-monarch-butterflies.htm
Yes! You can do this in the freezer, as well! Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/does-freezing-kill-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-butterfly-weed.htm
I have 4 milkweed plants (I believe swamp milkweed, definitely not the butterfly weed.) They are tall, have started branching out, but no buds even visible. These are in their first year. It is autumn now, can I cut them down and hope they produce flowers next year?
The first thing to do will be to test your soils for deficiencies or pH imbalances. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
I would wait until the end of the season to cut it back. Here is an article that will help you with the care of the plant:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-swamp-milkweed-plants.htm
I planted milkweed seeds in a pot, and would like to replant them in the ground so they will get more water and spread and grow (come on, monarchs!). Is milkweed a perennial or an annual? What should I do to insure it is happy in it's new location (close to where it's been so far). Thanks!
This simple perennial will grow without help. You can, carefully, transplant into the area of choice any time that the weather is mild. It helps to do so after a rain.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed
I usually collect the pods when they're dry, but I'm worried there won't be more flowers. If I cut the pods now will I get more flowers?
It is likely that you will have a drastically reduced crop come up if the seeds are not allowed to mature and leave the plant, but there is likely other seeds still present in the soil. This will allow for some crop to return. I would recommend leaving a few, at least, to go to seed.
This collection of articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed
I’ve seen some butterfly milkweed growing on embankments at the side of the road. Can I cut off some stocks and root it in a glass of water and then plant in my garden?
The article below says to take stem cuttings before asclepias tuberosa flowers. It looks like you already have cuttings. Remove the flowers so it will concentrate on roots, not flowering. Not all plants will root in water, so I would try vermiculite or perlite as a growing medium. It also grows easily from seed.
Also, make sure it is legal to take cuttings from wild plants. If it doesn't root, butterfly weed is now common in many nurseries and garden centers, as well as native plant nurseries.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-butterfly-weed.htm
I have 3 of them but they are not very big. I planted the seeds too late. Zone 5a
Since they are young, I wouldn't leave them outside. You can overwinter them inside a garage or basement, or where it doesn't get much lower than freezing. Only water them about once a month. Too much water will cause rot.
Another option would be to plant them in the ground and when the tops die back after a frost, cover the whole plant with a few inches of mulch. Uncover them in spring when new growth begins.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/milkweed-plants-in-winter.htm