Here are the steps on how to propagate magnolia seeds
A fascinating surprise awaits the seed pods of a magnolia tree in the fall, long after the flowers have faded. Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife come to life on the magnolia tree as the seed pods, which resemble exotic-looking cones, split open to reveal bright red berries. Magnolia seeds are found inside the berries. And under the right circumstances, you might discover a magnolia seedling growing beneath a magnolia tree.
Growing Magnolia Seeds
You can attempt to grow magnolias from seed in addition to transplanting and nurturing a seedling. Because magnolia seeds are not available in packets, propagating them requires a little more work. You must collect new seeds from the berries in order to plant a magnolia tree from seed because once the seeds dry out, they become inactive.
Find out if the parent tree is a hybrid before you go to the trouble of collecting magnolia seed pods. Because they don’t breed true, hybrid magnolias may produce a tree that looks nothing like its parent. When the new tree blooms for the first time, which could happen ten or fifteen years after you plant the seed, you might not realize you’ve made a mistake.
Magnolia Seed Pod Harvesting
The berries on the magnolia seed pods must be picked when they are fully ripe and a vibrant red color in order to collect the seeds.
After removing the juicy berry from the seeds, soak them in warm water for the entire night. The following day, rub the seed against a wire screen or a hardware cloth to remove its outer layer.
For magnolia seeds to sprout, a procedure known as stratification is required. After adding the seeds, thoroughly mix them in a container of wet sand. When you squeeze your hand, the sand shouldn’t be so wet that water falls out of it.
When you’re ready to plant the seeds, put the container in the refrigerator and leave it there unattended for at least three months. Removing the seeds from the refrigerator sends out a signal to the seeds informing them that winter is over and it’s time to start growing magnolia trees from seed.
Magnolia Plants Grown from Seed
When the time comes to start a magnolia tree from seed, the seeds should be sown in pots or directly in the ground in the spring.
Till your seedlings emerge, cover the seeds with approximately 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of soil and keep it moist.
Mulch will aid in the soil’s ability to retain moisture as the magnolia seedling grows. For the first year, new seedlings will also require shade from direct sunlight.
