How to Grow Magnolias From Seeds

Magnolia trees (Magnolia grandiflora) have a place in southern gardens and landscapes where they give off a pleasant fragrance. The tree has oval green leaves and large white flowers with five petals and a golden center. Mature magnolia trees can reach heights of 20 feet. Most magnolia trees are started in gardens as saplings, but growing magnolia trees from seeds can be accomplished once the seeds are ready on the tree.

Things You'll Need

• Seed pod
• Small bowl
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Pick a magnolia seed pod from a mature tree. The best time to find viable seeds is in September or October. Pods are furry and oval shaped. If a seed pod has begun to open, you will see an orange seed inside.

2. Place the pod in a location that is dry for three days so the pod can dry out. The pod and seed will begin to separate from each other. After three days, shake the pod hard to free the seed completely from the pod.

3. Fill a small bowl with warm tap water. Place the seed in the water and allow it to soak for 12 hours. The outer orange shell of the seed will soften in the water.

4. Remove the seed from the warm water. Place the seed between your hands and rub back and forth so that the soft outer coating comes off and reveals the dark seed, which is used to start a magnolia tree.

5. Place the seed in a location outside where the tree will have partial shade and partial sun during the day. Place the seed 1/4 inch down in the soil and cover.

6. Add 1 to 2 inches of mulch to cover the seed and a 1 foot area around the seed. Water the seed. Keep the ground around the seed moist by watering every day until the seed germinates, which can take one to two weeks. After the seed has sprouted, continue watering the area once a week.

References

• The Southern Garden: Southern Magnolia
• Magnolia Grandiflora L. Southern Magnolia
• The Home Garden: Planting Magnolia from Seed