How to Plant Magnolia Tree Seeds

By Ted Rollins , last updated January 24, 2012

If you have ever wished for a beautiful magnolia tree in your yard, you may consider growing the tree from seeds. The magnolia is an ornamental tree that is native to both Southeast Asia and the Eastern United States. With a sweet smell and terrific ornate blooms, the magnolia has remained a popular plant for generations. Magnolias can be either evergreen or deciduous, but in either case they can be started from seed. In all likelihood, you'll want to begin your magnolia seeds in the late fall and winterize them in preparation for spring.

Planting the Seeds

Begin by finding magnolia pods prior to their opening. They should have an orange or red hue. Fill a glass of water and soak them for about a day, which will strip their coating. Pull out of the water and squeeze out their pulp into your palm, which will include the black seeds. Wash off any residue and plant the seeds about a half inch deep in potting mixture. Ideally, you'll make a mix of peat moss, potting soil and sand. Drench and wrap in plastic covering to keep the moisture in. Put it someplace warm to allow germination to take place. You don't want the soil too soggy.

Caring for the Seedlings

On a daily basis, open the plastic to let air in. You should notice seedlings after about one month. Once you do, take them out of the plastic wrap and put them on a sunny windowsill. Soon, once leaves start to develop, you can move them into individual pots. As spring comes and the last frost passes, move them outside into heavy sun exposure and good draining soil. Give each plant a wide berth, as your magnolia can grow quite large!

When your magnolia tree reaches maturity, it will be gratifying to know that you have nurtured such a beautiful tree from its tiny, humble beginnings.

Resources and References

How to Care for Magnolias | Burncoose Nurseries