How to Grow Red Magnolia From a Seed

Prepare the "nursery ground" for the red magnolias. The nursery ground is a temporary planting site where the magnolias grow for one year. Choose a site that is sunny with partial shade.

Dig the soil with a garden fork or till the ground to a depth of 12 inches.

Amend the ground with 4 inches of compost.

Gather the seeds from a red magnolia tree in September or October. Don't wait until the seedpods burst open or the seed will be gone. Break the pods open and remove the seeds.

Fill a bowl with tepid water. Place the seeds into the water and allow them to soak overnight. This softens the red-orange coating around the seeds for easier removal. Remove any seeds that float to the top; they are not viable.

Remove the outer coating by rubbing the seed against a brick or using a scrubbing pad. The true seed is black.

Sow the seeds into the prepared garden site. Push the seed into the soil to a depth of 1 inch. Cover the seed and gently firm the soil over it with your fingers.

Place a piece of chicken wire over the seed bed. This helps prevent squirrels from digging up the seedlings.

Water the soil well. Continue to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Place a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch over the seed bed to help the soil to retain moisture.

Remove the chicken wire when the seedlings are a foot tall.

Fertilize the red magnolia in the spring using an all-purpose fertilizer. Mix and apply according to label directions.

Transplant the magnolias into their permanent locations during the second spring growing season. Choose a sunny location to plant each red magnolia tree. Dig carefully around the root balls to avoid disturbing or damaging the root system.