Magnolias do not form new seeds every year, and some proud owners have never even seen ripe magnolia seeds - even though the magnolia in question is already 25 years old. So much the better if you should actually be lucky enough to get hold of the seeds. Because with a little patience and luck you can grow new magnolias from it.

seed extraction from the fruit

After flowering, many magnolias form a fruit, which does not always contain seeds. The so-called follicle encloses the - inedible - pulp with the seed capsules and bursts open as soon as the seeds are ripe. It is extremely important to watch this point in time precisely: After all, propagation only succeeds when the seeds are fully ripe. So, harvest the seeds from the ruptured pods and carefully remove the clinging red hull and surrounding pulp. Both can later lead to unwanted putrefaction processes. The actual seeds of the magnolia are black. The pulp and husk are easier to remove if you soak the seeds in a little warm water first.

Growing magnolias from seeds

However, the newly obtained seeds cannot be planted immediately, because the magnolia is a frost germ. This means that you must first keep the seeds cool for several months before you can start sowing the following spring. This method is called stratification in technical jargon and works as follows:

  • Pack the cleaned and dry seeds in an airtight container with moist sand.
  • The seeds must be completely surrounded by the sand.
  • Place the container in the freezer or vegetable compartment of your refrigerator.
  • Leave it there for about three to four months.

Alternatively, you can simply pack the seeds in a pot with potting soil and finally bury them in a suitable place in the garden. However, the surface of the pot should not be covered with garden soil, but should remain free. Now all you need is a cold winter.

Care for the young plants properly

The following spring, remove the stratified seeds from your fridge and sow as follows:

  • Fill small flower pots with loose potting soil.
  • Moisten them well.
  • Place the seeds inside and lightly cover them with soil.
  • Now place the pot in a not too warm but bright location.
  • Alternatively, you can bury the pot in the garden.
  • However, this only works if there are definitely no more frosts to be expected, especially at night.
  • Always water well so that the substrate stays moist.

Now it's time to be patient again. Magnolias can germinate very quickly, but they can also take a few months to germinate.

tips and tricks

The self-grown young magnolias are still quite sensitive to frost and should therefore be allowed to spend their first winter in the pot and in a frost-free place, but only a maximum of 10 °C. Only in the following spring can you finally plant the magnolia.

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