Magnolia seeds are seen on a magnolia tree and they are a bright red color. They appear on cone-shaped fruit that the tree produces and magnolias are perhaps the most primitive type of flowering plant. They are known as angiosperms and this means that the seeds are enclosed in the fruit. When the fruit ages, scaly areas appear and it splits apart. This exposes the bright red magnolia seeds. Songbirds love these seeds and they are nutritionally beneficial for them. But there are other reasons why people enjoy these types of trees so much.
All different sizes
The magnolia tree can grow to reach 30 feet in height. But there are over 30 different species of this plant and some are smaller and can be used for shrubbery. It is an evergreen type of plant which means that it can live and thrive through the toughest of winters. It can be placed in areas where the temperature goes below freezing for a long period and still produces a rich green color. In mid-spring, the tree produces colorful blooms that are white to nearly white, pink, and purple. The flowers start in a tighter bud form and as they bloom they produce saucer-shaped flowers.
When they start to bloom
The longer thin oval-shaped petals slowly bloom to create these beautiful flowers. During the spring when the flowers bloom on the tree, it can be difficult to see any leaves or foliage. This can add a big splash of color to any garden area as well as a pleasant fragrance. But without a doubt, the most interesting thing about a magnolia tree is the magnolia seeds.
In early fall the tree changes considerably. Blooms are long gone but a new color emerges from the magnolia tree. Then the tree becomes laden with magnolia seeds and they are assembled in seed pods. As the plants mature the color can become richer and more visible. This immediately attracts songbirds and squirrels to the tree. Occasionally, the magnolia seeds that are produced overcome the tree and the pods explode. This leaves a blanket of rich red color on the ground underneath the tree. It is easy to get to these seeds so that you can use them again to plant more trees.
There are tiny silk-like threads that attach the seeds to the pod and most magnolia trees are started from the seed. But if you do use a seed, do not expect the same type of blooms as the original. It can be changed by haphazard pollination.
Harvesting the Magnolia seeds
While gathering magnolia seeds, you should never let them dry out. The best time to do this is when the seeds are most visible or right after a pod burst. You will have to soak the seeds in water for at least 2 days to remove the red coating. They cannot be stored in the coating is on the seed. Gently clean the magnolia seeds with dishwashing liquid to remove the oily substance because it will not allow the seed to absorb water. Cover the seeds with compost to maintain moisture levels and they should germinate in 4 to 6 weeks. You can pot the seeds after 4 weeks.
You may not want to plant the tree in excessively cooler temperatures. Early spring is the best time to plant them and make sure not to damage the roots if you are removing them from a pot or planter. It helps to plant them on a slight hill so that the delicate roots do not become water damaged. As the plant matures and the roots become established, you can even the soil back out around the plant. StumpBustersLLC
