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Southern Magnolia Seedlings - how fast do they grow?

Pamela S_Chicago

7 years ago

I may have gotten in over my head...

I took seeds from my mom's Magnolia Tree (pretty sure it's a Southern Magnolia) last year from her yard near Houston. I've now got about 30 seedlings growing in my Chicago apartment!

The original idea was I would be growing these as gifts for family to continue the tree 'family line' as my mom is selling her property next year - we've all called it home for 35+ years. I'm concerned about logistics if these really start taking off, I assumed they would be slow growers, but I've found conflicting info online. The black walnuts I planted at the same time are now about 12"-18" tall! Anyone have experience with this tree from seed? How fast do they grow? Is year 1 a fast year, then they slow down? I honestly wasn't expecting so many to sprout, I thought maybe half at most would make it...I've got the space for large pots outside and have a good setup on my enclosed sunroom/back porch, so if possible I'll try to keep 2 for myself, and gift the rest.

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Comments (4)

User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

You can certainly containerize them in the short term for a few years. But I am not sure of your goals. Are you planning on keeping some containerized and planting the rest..., in your area (Chicago)? You are liable to hear multiple accounts regarding growth RATE as it would vary depending on...., soil conditions, CLIMATE (temps and rainfall), etc. I have not grown mine from seed but from small trees...., in NJ,...in Zone 7, in the GROUND, etc. If you are growing them in containers in less than optimal conditions, they are not going to grow as fast. I planted several of mine in 2009 from trees that were around two feet tall. The pics below are from a few years ago..., they are now up to the attic level of the house. I would not say that is SLOW!
Pamela S_Chicago
Original Author
7 years ago
Subtropix - thanks for the quick reply and info! I should have clarified where the 'gift' seedlings were intended to go - they'll all be heading back to Texas to various family members who live down there - all within 10 miles of where the original tree is. I'm the sentimental 'plant lady' in the family, hence how I ended up with Southern Magnolia seedlings in Chicago! Ideally I'll be mailing these gift seedlings off to family for next spring planting, I'm wondering how big they'll be at that point? In theory I won't be living here forever, and will hopefully move somewhere warmer. Hopefully I can keep 2 going in pots here in Chicago until I have my own place.
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Kristi, those are impressive looking 3 month old seedlings! I just stated with seeds about the same time and mine still look like sprouts. They're out on the deck now, but I'm going to have to do something with them for the winter and it sounds like the light setup is the way to go. Do you use a regular florescent fixture with the two different bulbs? The birds are cuties too. Glad to hear they're doing well. Alana
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User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
If it is only one year, you should be good. Many plants are slower for the first few years until after they become established, then take off. They should do well in containers though; I have no idea if there are any growing outside in Chicagolandia.
kentrees12
7 years ago
First year from seed don't expect too much growth. Volunteers here in TN typically put on 3-6 leaves and reach 6" tall.

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