This magnolia (grandiflora?) is about five years old. My wife started it from seed. Quite a process. She took the fruit from the tree in September, removed the pulpy red outer layer to reveal the seed kernels. She then put them in a ziploc with some moist potting soil and stored it in the fridge until the end of January when she potted them. Only 3 out 12 sprouted. They grow very slowly.
In researching the project we found that the seed kernels may take up to 18 months to sprout (if at all) and that we may not see any blossoms for 15 years. We can wait.
We transplanted it last week from a three gallon pot. The root system is quite extensive compared to the 20” above ground foliage.
We bought one of those recycled tire ring/mulch thingies to try out. ($12.00 !!!) at the big box store.
4 comments so far
GrandmaT
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3211 posts in 385 days
hardiness zone 5
posted 210 days ago
What a neat “experiment” ... and how thrilling it must have been to watch the seeds sprout, then actually grow … and now planting “the baby” outside. I am darn impressed … :-)
-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b
MsDebbieP
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3811 posts in 507 days
hardiness zone 5b
posted 210 days ago
I’m impressed as well!!
Sure makes my spindly looking purchased magnolia look sad!
Well done!!
-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)
roman
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636 posts in 327 days
posted 210 days ago
“we may not see any blossoms for 15 years. We can wait.”
I dont have that long…..VBG
-- Central northish Ontario
Bon
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1732 posts in 287 days
hardiness zone 5a
posted 209 days ago
Wow Dustynewt it looks like the wife has the magic touch.It seems to be growing great.But 15 years is sure a long time to wait.Wonder how many of us just might still be here on G.T. then? (lol)
-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a....Always room for one more