How to Propagate a Chinese Magnolia Tree
The Chinese magnolia tree is also known by the names saucer magnolia and tulip tree. They produce large, saucer-shaped flower blooms in the spring and summer that appear pink, white and sometimes purple in color. The trees can grow to be up to 30 feet in height and are deciduous. Chinese magnolia trees can be propagated using several methods, the easiest of which is growing them from seed. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Chinese magnolia
- Jar
- Water
- Liquid dish detergent
- Colander
- Plastic sandwich bag
- Peat moss
- Refrigerator
- Sand
- Loam
- Plant pot
Instructions
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1
Locate an existing Chinese magnolia tree and wait until late summer or early fall when the seed pods develop. The seed pods are oval-shaped pods that are approximately 2 to 6 inches long and contain a green or brown fur-like appearance on the exterior. These pods contain the seeds of the tree which are orange or red in color. Remove a pod from the tree and then use your fingers to gently remove the brightly colored seeds from it.
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2
Fill a jar approximately 50 percent full of water. Place the seeds into the jar and allow them to soak for two to three days to soften the flesh of the seed.
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3
Remove the seeds from the water and use your fingers to gently rub away the exterior pulp of the seed to reveal the smaller black seeds.
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4
Fill the jar with fresh water and insert 1 tsp. of liquid dish detergent. Place the seeds into the jar and stir them around with your hand to remove the seed oils which will prevent them from germinating. Pour the seeds into a colander with small holes and rinse gently with clean tap water to remove the soap residue.
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5
Place the seeds into a plastic sandwich bag filled with 1 cup of peat moss. Pour 1 to 2 tbsp. of water into the bag to moisten the moss. Place the bag into a refrigerator that is kept at 40 degrees F. Allow the seeds to remain in the refrigerator for two to four months.
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6
Remove the seeds from the refrigerator and plant them into a plant pot that is filled two parts peat moss, one part sand and one part loam. Insert each seed 1 inch onto the soil and cover completely.
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7
Water the seeds thoroughly until the soil is damp. The seeds will begin to grow in approximately four weeks, and can be planted outdoors when they reach 6 inches in height.
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