What Are Magnolia Seed Pods?
Magnolia seed pods are pods filled with seeds that grow from a magnolia tree each year. The seed pods are cone-shaped and spread open to reveal bright-red seeds that look like berries. When the outer red casing of the berries is removed, the seed inside is revealed.
Gardeners can propagate magnolia seedlings from these seeds, but the seeds must be harvested prior to drying out. To do this, the pod must be taken from the tree when the seeds are still inside. As the pod dries out, the red berries push through the holes in the pod.
After the berries push through, place them into water and let them soak overnight. The red outer coating can be easily removed with a cloth the next day. The next step involves stratification of the seeds. Place the seeds and moist sand inside a container and mix together, and then place the container in the refrigerator. Leave it there for three months or so, or until it is time for planting.
The seeds can be planted in pots or in the ground. Either way, cover the seeds with about a quarter-inch of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Once seedlings emerge, place a layer of mulch around them to help provide support for them until they grow larger.
