Magnolia trees are prized for their large, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring. The flowers come in a range of colors like pink, purple, white or yellow. Once the flowers fade, they produce eye-catching red seeds that contain the promise of new magnolia trees.
Growing magnolia trees from seeds is rewarding but requires time and patience. With the right harvesting, storage and planting techniques, you can propagate new magnolia trees from the seeds of existing specimens.
When to Harvest Magnolia Seeds
The first step is collecting viable magnolia seeds either from your own tree or other sources.
Seeds must be harvested when ripe in fall Look for the red berries around September-October If left on the tree, birds and other wildlife will feast on them.
Pick the berries directly from the seed pods. Unopened pods signal that the seeds are not mature.
Avoid harvesting seeds from hybrid magnolia varieties. Hybrids do not breed true so the resulting tree may not resemble the parent. It takes 10-15 years before a magnolia flowers, so you’ll have to wait a while to confirm if it’s a hybrid.
Stick to species magnolias like Magnolia kobus, Magnolia stellata or Magnolia soulangiana to better your chances of success.
Preparing Magnolia Seeds for Planting
How you prepare the seeds depends on when you intend to sow them.
For Fall Planting
If planting in fall, remove the fleshy red berry covering the seeds. Soak the naked seeds overnight in warm water which softens the outer coat.
Gently rub the seeds against a hardware cloth or window screen to remove this outer layer. The seeds are now ready for planting.
For Spring Planting
To sow in spring, remove the berry covering and store the cleaned seeds over winter in a sealed plastic bag filled with moist medium. Keep it in the fridge for at least 3 months.
This process, called stratification, replicates the moist, cold conditions seeds experience outdoors in winter. It jumpstarts germination when planted in spring.
How to Plant Magnolia Seeds
Magnolia seeds can be directly sown into garden beds or containers. Partially shaded spots work best.
Prepare the planting area with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. In pots, use a quality potting mix.
Sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface about 1⁄4 inch apart. Lightly cover them with more soil or potting mix.
Water gently to moisten the soil without displacing the seeds. Add mulch on top to maintain consistent moisture.
Keep the planting area moist, not soggy, as the seeds germinate over the next few weeks. Shelter newly emerged seedlings from harsh sunlight.
With proper care, your seed-grown magnolia trees will be ready to transplant once they are 1-2 years old. Be patient for the first flowers, which can take over a decade. But the wait is worth it when you get to enjoy exotic magnolias propagated by your own hand.
Tips for Growing Magnolia Trees from Seeds
Follow these useful tips to improve your chances of success:
-
Stratify magnolia seeds by chilling them for 3-4 months if sowing in spring. This cold treatment breaks dormancy.
-
Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat.
-
Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in partially shaded spots. Maintain even moisture, not soggy soil.
-
Shelter young seedlings from direct sun which can scorch them.
-
Transplant the seedlings when they are 1-2 years old.
-
Wait patiently for at least 10 years for the first bloom. Some magnolias take even longer.
-
Stick to species magnolias like Magnolia kobus or Magnolia stellata. Hybrids are sterile or won’t breed true.
-
Start more seeds than you need since germination rates are inconsistent. You can thin out extras later.
With magnolias, patience is key. But the joy of nurturing your own magnolia tree from seed to its first spectacular bloom makes it a rewarding journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Magnolias from Seeds
Here are answers to some common magnolia seed propagation questions:
Where can I find magnolia seeds?
Harvest ripe red berries from the seed pods of existing magnolia trees in September-October. Buy seeds from nurseries if harvesting is not possible.
How do I store magnolia seeds?
For fall planting, clean and rub off the outer coat before planting. For spring, clean seeds and store with moist medium in a sealed bag in the fridge over winter.
Do magnolia seeds need stratification?
Yes, chill stored seeds for 3-4 months at 40°F before sowing in spring. This cold stratification mimics winter and breaks dormancy.
How deep do I plant magnolia seeds?
Sow magnolia seeds just 1⁄4 inch deep in pots or garden beds. Cover lightly with soil or potting mix.
How long does it take for magnolia seeds to sprout?
With the proper planting technique, magnolia seeds can germinate in 2-8 weeks. But some species take longer. Keep seeds moist and wait patiently.
When can I transplant magnolia seedlings?
Wait until the seedlings are 1-2 years old before transplanting them to their permanent spot. Harden them off first.
How long until magnolia seeds flower?
Depending on the species, magnolias take anywhere from 5 years to over 15 years to flower from seed. But the wait is worth it!
Conclusion
Though slow growing, magnolias are well worth the effort to start from seeds. With the right harvesting and sowing techniques, you can propagate new trees with different flower colors, growth habits and fragrances. Be patient, start more seeds than you need, and you’ll be rewarded with a beloved magnolia grown by your own hand.
When to Harvest Magnolia Seeds
The first step in growing a magnolia tree is obtaining the seeds, either by purchasing them or by harvesting them from a parent plant. Usually buying seeds is easier, but when it comes to magnolias, it is often a challenge to find seeds commercially.
Once magnolia seeds dry out, they are no longer viable. So in order to grow a magnolia tree from seed, you have to harvest fresh seeds from the berries. But don’t let birds get to all the berries first!
Magnolias are easy flower seeds to harvest in September or October, when the berries turn red and ripe. Just pick the berries out of the cones and save them for later.
Before you go to the trouble of harvesting magnolia seed pods, though, you need to determine whether or not the parent tree is a hybrid. Hybrid magnolia tree varieties dont breed true and the resulting tree may not resemble the parent.
It can take up to 10 to 15 years before your new tree produces its first flowers, so you may not know you’ve made a mistake until then.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book “How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes”. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors ( credit: pelicankate / Getty s)