Can a magnolia tree grow in Northeast Pennsylvania?

I have a bud from a magnolia tree it has opened up to find red seed like things. I want to know if this is what I plant to have a magnolia tree. If it can grow in PA or can I grow it inside until it is ready to be planted outside. It comes from the most beautiful magnolia tree in Exmore, VA.

Can a magnolia tree grow in Northeast Pennsylvania?
Yes, some magnolia species can grow in NE Pennsylvania. Here is the problem you will have with your seeds. Virginia is one or two cold hardiness zones warmer than your area. That seed is from a tree that does not necessarily have the genetics to survive your winters, even though the species may be listed as hardy in your zone. The best I can tell you is to try it, but you could lose the tree in a cold winter.





Though most varieties of Magnolia can be propagated by seed, they will produce trees that are slow to flower and differ from the source tree. Yes, those are the seeds you see inside the buds.





Magnolia seeds have a fleshy outer pulp and a hard inner seed shell. You should remove this outer pulp first for best germination rates. Soak the seeds in water for a couple of days, changing the water every day. Remove any pulp and dry with a tissue. Plant immediately indoors or store in the refrigerator in a zip-lock bag with moist sand/vermiculite and sow in spring. Remember to not plant too deep. Sow seeds no more than two times their diameter deep in your soil.


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Reply:It's certainly worth a shot. Good luck.





But generally the magnolias that survive in the cold north - I assume you have snow - are a hardier variety than southern magnolias.
Reply:I live in Canada in zone 4 and have a beautiful Star Magnolia.


I would suggest that you plant it outside soon so that it can put down roots for the winter and Spring. They prefer sheltered locations from strong winter winds, but like to be in a sunny area. Be sure to stake it well. Ours didn't bloom for the first year, but it does now. Yours may, as we planted ours in early Spring.
Reply:Hi:


Magnolia trees can survive in Nothern Pennsylvania. Not all of them but the Star Magolia is one that will do well in your zone. If you think you have the actual seeds, it is possible to plant the seeds. There are some proper steps to properly grow from seed. Take a look at this page on my website on growing from seed. I am not 100% on the type of Magnolia you have so what I would do is bring it to a local nursery and see if they can identify it before you try and germinate your seeds.





Good luck to you and if you need any other help, please feel free to contact me. Also take a look at my site map for any other suggestions or solutions for you.


Hope the seeds take off for you.


Kimberly


http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...