Sowing Magnolia Seeds

Preparation of seeds
The following directions apply to seeds that have had their requirement met for cold, moist storage. Otherwise, the seeds should be stored in moist medium (sphagnum moss, peat, or sand) in a polyethylene bag in the refrigerator for two months before sowing.

Sowing the seeds
Sow seeds about 0.5in. (1.3cm) deep in pots or flats. Sowing media include peat moss, sand and peat mixtures, peat and perlite mixtures, sphagnum moss, and other soil-less potting mixes. Whatever medium is used, it is important that it be well drained and preferably sterile. It is best to cover pots or flats with plastic or glass (after sowing) to retain moisture and humidity.
A practice many growers use is to sow seed directly into containers 8-12in. (20.3-30.5cm) deep to allow for the eventual, vigorous root system. This practice eliminates the need to transplant seedlings into pots after the first true leaves have formed. Other propagators germinate seeds in plastic bags and plant them in pots or flats after germination.
Seeds germinate at temperatures of about 65-75 °F (18-24 °C). Germination usually takes place in a few weeks, but as much as several months may be required. After germination, place the seedlings in a sunny location and remove the plastic or glass covering. Transplant seedlings into pots after the first true leaves develop.

Labeling seedlings
Seeds and resulting seedlings from named cultivars or open-pollinated species (garden origin) should not be labeled with the name of the plant from which the seed was obtained. To label seedlings with the name of their seed parent is to set the stage for future propagation/distribution of a misidentified plant.