The most common complaint is lack of flowers, but by providing the right growing conditions, and providing additional feeding during the growing season, you will give your magnolia the best chance to thrive. And can I grow a magnolia tree in a pot? He also recommends a compact variety with gorgeous dark pink flowers, ideal for a small garden: Magnolias are a long-term investment as they can sometimes take a while to flower, so be patient. Propagate by layering. This is especially helpful when the magnolias young. Scruff up the roots a little with your gloved hand so they’ll be encouraged to spread out into the soil (they’re often circling inside the nursery pot). When germination occurs, remove th… Because this is a full tree you'll be growing, it's important to keep in mind that it will take a number of years before you get the end results. You should keep the time of year in mind as well. Catherine Mansley, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, explains why magnolias may not always flower and how to encourage them to do so, in our Quick Tips video: Get two bags of premium beans for £20 + P&P. "Plant hardiness" charts are available to refer to in this instance. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. The recommended auxin, or plant hormone, used to encourage rooting also varies by species. Magnolia trees are best planted in the early spring. The propagation of magnolia from cuttings is done when the temperature is more than 21 C (summer), i.e. Fertilize at least once a year, using a slow-release acidic or magnolia tree fertilizer. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Scarification refers to treating the seed's coat so that it's more susceptible to germination. It allows you to move the plant around to get the full sun it needs and also lets you keep it indoors to shield it from severe weather. However, move the plant in shade in... Pot Selection. A large percentage of attempted cuttings fail. Starting with sourcing the best seeds, you must prepare the seeds through cultivation and stratification. Magnolia trees take about ten years to bloom flowers from their initial seeding. Cankers disease, which can warp and destroy branches. Bacteria and fungi, which can cause white and black spots throughout your tree. What sort of soil does a magnolia tree need? Feed with an acid-balanced controlled-release fertiliser in spring. A general rule is that for every centimetre of girth the tree makes in diameter, a 30 cm increase in height and the diameter of the container is required. Magnolias rarely suffer from pests, but can be prone to honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot or bracket fungi, so try to spot signs early in order to treat the plant. Step 1: Collect Magnolia Seeds. Check the ultimate height and spread of your chosen magnolia and only plant it where it can grow without being a nuisance. Mulch in spring with manure and leaf mould. A magnolia tree in a pot requires more regular watering than those planted in the ground. This temperature issue can be lessened by planting the tree in an area where it won't get as much wind. From Seed to Maturity, it takes upwards of 15 years, but by following a simple set of steps, you will be on your way to enjoying the shade of your very own Magnolia tree. Don't force the pod open; it will open on its own, the seeds loosening when they are ripe. All plants have certain climates they prefer. Ensure adequate moisture during hot and/or dry times, especially when plants are young (first three years). Figs. Magnolia cuttings require little care during the rooting process, just patience and plenty of moisture. While growing a full tree takes time and patience, the end result is often more than worth the effort involved. Water the seedlings with tea made of willow twigs and leaves. Magnolias are not easy to propagate and need shelter and heat for any successful young plants to survive the winter. This article has been viewed 75,159 times. Position: Lighting For Magnolia. It produces large fragrant flowers (around 30cm in width!) Magnolia seed pods can be collected in mid-September through October. They're fairly resilient plants, but require regular irrigation during the initial growing season in order to take root. Treat this issue by simply removing any infected leaves and raking up any fallen infected leaves. Not all magnolia species and varieties are therefore just the preserve of large country gardens although tree magnolias should clearly not be grown too near houses. This will allow the trees to make the most of the seasonal changes in its first year of life. A sealed plastic box is fine and do not be worried if the seeds grow a little mould. Magnolias prefer a slightly acidic soil so potting compost for Rhododendrons, Azaleas or ericaceous plants is suitable. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Deciduous magnolias (those that drop their leaves in fall) are best planted when dormant, typically in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. If necessary, insulate the pots with tree wrap. Proper fertilization and watering can help prevent future complications. The star magnolia grows to 15 feet and produces white flowers in the late winter. Find out all you need to know about growing magnolias, in this detailed Grow Guide. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Some of the bigger magnolia trees will grow between 40-70 feet tall. The evergreen Magnolia grandiflora is best grown against a sheltered wall. Most magnolias grow best in moist, well-drained, slightly acid soils but neutral to slightly alkaline soils are also suitable for growth. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Grow-a-Magnolia-Tree-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-a-Magnolia-Tree-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Grow-a-Magnolia-Tree-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1273086-v4-728px-Grow-a-Magnolia-Tree-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"