Posted by elizabeth on August 18, 19100 at 00:15:55:
In Reply to: Re: Magnolia seeds posted by MEADOW VIEW on March 18, 19100 at 08:52:40:
: : I pass by a beautiful saucer magnolia that is in bloom right now every day on my way to work, and I would like to start my own from seed, and would like to know exactly what the seeds look like and where are they located on the tree...(last fall I looked but didn't seem to find any). Thanks in advance.
JOAN: Saucer magnolia is typically started from softwood cuttings in June. Seed is not normally produced on younger trees and if the seed were planted the tree may not be the same as the tree you are viewing with such pleasure.
You will need a method of keeping the cutting(s) constantly moist and avoiding waterlogging to the rooting medium if you are going to try to root cuttings. Nurseries have "mist systems" that allow them to root large quantities of cuttings very successfully.
Some plants can be rooted under a quart mason jar outside in the summer. You could try this in an area that does not get direct sun by taking a half dozen cuttings from this tree(with permission) in mid June or so. Put a couple of shovels of sand on your flower bed, dip the cuttings in rooting powder, stick them in the wetted sand, cover with the inverted mason jar and see if they will root. You will have to add moisture daily if the jar is not showing condensate. Do not let the sand dry out. Good Luck, and let us know how you make out. MVG Plant Dr.