Magnolia officinalis ssp biloba seeds (Bi-lobed Magnolia)

Description

Also known as Houpu magnolia, an exotic Chinese subspecies of M. officinalis. What makes it special is the apical notch at the tips of its large obovate leaves giving the leaves a bi-lobed shape characteristic. In May-June, antique ivory coloured 30 cm diameter sweetly scented flowers appear in abundance. Grows very quickly (1m/year) and blooms at a very young age (5-7 years). Straight trunked tree reaching an average height of 15 meters, but the odd larger specimen is known in botanical gardens. Almost non-existent in the wild due to over harvesting of its prized medicinal bark used in TCM.

• Seed Count: 10-12
• Collection Date: Nov 2016
• Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Height and Width
• Germination test type: float; cut
• Family: Magnoliaceae

How to germinate Magnolia officinalis ssp biloba:

Stratifying seed. Never let magnolia seed dry out as this kills the embryo. Sow immediately 2 cm deep, keep moist, keep the pot outside to finish the cold stratification cycle of 120 days. Sunlight inhibits germination. Most seed will germinate in May with the remaining the following year. Newly emerging seedlings need indirect light/dappled shade at first then stronger light as they put down a larger root system. Protect from nibbling pests two years. If you baggie sow these provide room temps with no supplemental warmth as they don’t seem to tolerate this. Once you see them crack open, transplant into a pot 15 mm deep as they don’t like being in the bag when root is more than 2cm long and mortality can be high.