Starting a Magnolia from Seed?

kathleen williams
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November 15, 20090 found this helpful

Here's how I began the process of growing magnolias from seed:
1. Gather the cone and let it dry out to get the seeds extracted. The cone will open up and let the seeds come out. I was able to find a cone that already was releasing some seeds.
2. Gather up the seeds.

3. Admire the pretty red seeds...oops, I'm getting sidetracked.
4. Soak the magnolia seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the red outer coating, also called the aril.

5-6. Remove the aril from the seeds, which will come off very easily after the soaking.

. Then either plant the seeds in the fall or stratify them in a potting mix placed in a plastic bag.

As the saying goes "The waiting is the hardest part." Good luck.