How to Dry Magnolia Seed Pods
Magnolia trees grow in the southern portions of the United States and have large, white, fragrant flower blossoms in the summer months. Once the flowers fade in the late summer, they are replaced by large seed pods that contain a multitude of bright-red magnolia seeds. If desired, you can harvest the seed pods from a magnolia in the fall and plant the seeds to start new trees. After harvesting, the pods must be dried to dislodge the seeds. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Prepare to pick the pods in the fall months, when you see the oval-shaped seed pods develop on the magnolia tree where the flowers were previously located. Pick the pods off by twisting them until they break free from the branch. The pods typically ripen in the middle of September or early October, depending on the temperatures in your region.
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Spread a piece of newspaper in an indoor location that is cool and dry. Lay the magnolia seed pods on top of the newspaper, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart to allow for air circulation.
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Leave the magnolia seed pods alone for at least three to four days, or until you see them open to reveal the inner red seeds.
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Pick up one of the dried seed pods and shake it over the newspaper to dislodge the red seeds from it. Repeat the process to remove the seeds from all remaining magnolia seed pods.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to store the magnolia seed, allow the red seeds to dry until they feel hard to the touch. Place the seeds inside an air-tight container and put it in an area that maintains a temperature of between 32 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
