I have been able to harvest plenty of both red & yellow tropical seeds but had decided to hand kill the MW bugs because they were sapping the life out of the pods I saw them on. I would think if the seeds look normal...they would be OK! The ones that are tiny &/or faded looking probably aren't! I think the aphids don't hurt the seeds but the milkweed bugs do! I hate doing it...squishing them even with gloves on...but that is the only way I can figure out how to kill them without killing or harming the queen & monarch cats & eggs!
Maybe someone more experienced can give you better advice! I haven't had seeds on my common, swamp, or showy MWs!
Take care,
Lila

I would not assume that all pods are bad, unless you had a terrible infestation of milkweed bugs. Otherwise, you are likely to have some good pods and seeds.

The milkweed seed should look smooth, and somewhat plump and firm in the middle. One way that I check the viability of larger seeds is to use some very sharp scissors, or a blade and cut a seed in half. There should be a small white looking embryo or germ inside - from where the root and cotyledon emerge. If there's no seed embryo, then the seed is not viable.

Milkweed seems to attract so many assorted insects, most of which are "banished" from my plants. This is because they either prey on the Monarch larvae or they degrade the foliage quality of the plants. I admit I am more or less merciless with all other bugs besides Monarchs and they get the big squish (even some I like, oh dear).

Thank you so much! A bunch of seed pods are starting to open, and I'd love to harvest and donate/give away the seeds to others who want to plant milkweed. I will test some of the seeds now.

Thanks again for your expertise! :)