How to Plant a Seed Pod for a Magnolia Tree
Magnolia trees are known for their large, extremely fragrant flowers, big green leaves and cone-like aggregate fruit that holds bright red seed pods. There are over 100 species of magnolia trees from East Asia to the Americas, and many are hybrids. Some magnolia trees can reach 80 feet, while other cultivars are made for smaller gardens and may grow up to 12 feet, and still others only grow to a large shrub size. Growing a magnolia tree from seed is not too difficult, but the tree can take 15 to 20 years to bloom. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Magnolia tree seed pods
- Bowls
- Handheld mesh strainer
- Paper towels
- Sandpaper, window screening or steel wool
- Sand or peat moss
- Polyethylene bag
- Planting medium
- Mulch
- Planting tray or pots (optional)
Instructions
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Collect and Prepare the Seeds
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1
Collect a fruit-like cone that contains the seeds after the fruit is mature and beginning to open, usually between mid-September or early October. If there are not any openings, collect one and set it aside for a few days until it begins to dry and open.
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2
Shake the red seed pods out of the cone and into a bowl to collect them.
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3
Put the seed pods in a bowl of warm water and let soak overnight. This softens the outer pods and make it easier to break them open and remove the seeds. Throw out any seeds that easily float.
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4
Use a handheld mesh strainer to remove the seed pods from the water. Place them on a paper towel. Scrub them with the paper towel to remove the outer pods. If they do not break open, try rubbing them on a rough surface, such as a brick, cinder block or window screening. Once they break open use your fingers to completely separate the outer pods from the seeds. Discard the outer pods and place the seeds on a clean paper towel.
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5
Scarify, or rough up, the outer surface of the exposed black seeds to remove protective oils. This makes it easier for the seeds to sprout. Use sandpaper, steel wool, or window screening to lightly scrub the seeds.
Stratify the Seeds
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Prepare the seeds for stratification, which allows the seeds to rest for three to six months at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit to bring them out of dormancy. Alternate layers of seeds and a moist medium, such as sand or a mixture of peat, in a polyethylene bag. It should be moist but not soggy. Pour about 1/4 cup of the moist sand or peat into the bag. Lay the bag flat and pat the layer down. Place a layer of seeds over the medium and gently tap into place. Use your hand to sprinkle another layer of the medium over the seeds until covered. Gently pat down.
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Tie the top of the back and place it in a refrigerator with a temperature of 40 to 45 degrees.
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Remove the seeds in the spring, or after three to six months.
Plant the Seeds
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Plant the seeds 1/2-inch deep in the ground or pots or planting trays once the outside temperature has reached about 70 degrees.
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Cover the seeds with a light planting medium and 1/4 inch of mulch to prevent drying. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which could take a few weeks or more.
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Transplant the sprouted seedlings into pots once they are a few inches tall. When they have reached at least 6 to 12 inches in height you can transplant them into their permanent home outside. They should be protected from direct sun and in partial shade for the first year.
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Tips & Warnings
Collect the seed pods from a standard species rather than a hybrid, which has been pollinated to mix two species together. The hybrid seed will most likely revert back to one of the parent varieties rather than the tree you collected it from.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
