Magnolia Seeds - Cucumber Tree
(Magnolia acuminata) Perennial. Zones 4 - 8. Rare & Endangered.
The Cucumber Magnolia is native to Ontario's Niagara Region and is unfortunately on the cusp of extinction. Because of habitat loss (logging, farming, urban sprawl, etc), this once plentiful tree has been reduced to less than 200 regional individuals. They also do not fair well with prolonged dry spells, meaning changing weather patterns have also been a factor in their decline.
To learn more, visit Ontario Species At Risk.
When established in an ideal environment, however, Cucumber Magnolias can get big, and quickly. It is one of the largest of the Magnolias! They have upright, yellowish flowers in the Spring which give way to curious cucumber-like seed pods. These start out green and change to a pinkish-red in Autumn.
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 - 8
Edible: Flowers & flower buds are edible.
Size: Medium Tree
Growth Rate: Large Tree
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 60 - 80%
Sun Requirements: Full Sun - Partial Shade
Soil Preference: Rich, moist but well draining soil. Can struggle with pollution in urban areas.
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Mix seeds with a moistened grow medium equal to 3-4 times seed volume. Place in a plastic bag, covered tray/cells or container.
STRATIFICATION: 120 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds ½” deep, ideally in a peat/perlite mix. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (26°C) and night (15°C) aids germination. Water evenly and regularly.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 35-60 days.
How To Stratify Your Tree Seeds
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.