How to Plant Magnolia Pods
Magnolias are flowering trees or shrubs that consist of about 80 species. Originally from the eastern United States and eastern Asia, most varieties have large, showy and, usually, fragrant flowers. The magnolias species were in existence as far back as 36 to 58 million years ago, which makes them one of oldest known plants on earth. Cultivated for their ornamental purposes as well as for their timber, magnolias can be striking additions to any garden. Magnolia seeds can be planted from their pods in late winter to early spring, although it can take as long as 15 years for flowers to appear. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Magnolia pods
- Wire screening
- Bowl
- Nail file or sand paper
- Plastic bag
- Sand
- Spray bottle
- 1-gallon pots
- Planting mix
Instructions
-
Preparing Magnolia Seeds
-
1
Collect magnolia pods or fruits from late summer to late fall. They pods are mature and ready to harvest when they start to split open to reveal red- to orange-colored seeds.
-
2
Shake the magnolia pods to remove the seeds.
-
-
3
Soak the magnolia seeds in a bowl of water for about 12 hours. This softens the pulp and helps make separating seed from the pulp easier.
-
4
Rub the seeds against wire screening to remove the pulp. The magnolia seeds need to be completely free of pulp. If problems arise removing pulp, soak the seeds for another 12 hours.
-
5
Scratch the seed coats on each of the magnolia seeds, using a nail file or sandpaper. This makes it easier for the seed to crack open, aiding in germination
-
6
Place the cleaned magnolia seeds into a sealable plastic bag that contains about 2 cups of dampened sand.
-
7
Put the bag in a 40 degree Fahrenheit location for three months. Storing the seeds in a cold location breaks the natural dormancy of the seeds. Remove the magnolia seeds from the sand and pot them up.
Planting Magnolia Seeds
-
8
Put potting mix into 1-gallon planting pots until they are filled to about 1-3/4 inch from the top.
-
9
Transfer the pots to a sheltered location that offers daily bright light but protection from direct sunshine or wind. Place them on a patio or deck if there is no further chance of frost.
-
10
Plant two magnolia seeds per 1-gallon pot. Scoop about 1/2-inch of planting mix over the magnolia seeds.
-
11
Water the pots as often as needed to keep the magnolia seeds moist, but do not allow them get so wet they become soggy, which will rot the seeds. Germination will begin in two to four weeks.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Transplant the magnolia trees when they are about 1 foot tall.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
