Magnolia Seeds - Cucumber Tree
(Magnolia acuminata) Zones 4 - 8. Deciduous, flowering tree. 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
- Soak seeds 24 hrs. Follow with 120 days cold, moist stratification. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Stratify Your Tree Seeds".
- Plant soaked seeds in pots using standard potting soil or in nursery beds. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
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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.
