How to propagate magnolia

1. Seed propagation

First, you need to collect seeds. This process is usually carried out from September to October because the seeds are ripe during this period. Before sowing, soak the seeds in water at a temperature of about 50 degrees Celsius. The seeds should be sown by digging furrows and row sowing. The soil should be fertile enough, and sandy loam is best. After sowing the seeds, a layer of soil about 2 cm thick should be spread on top. After watering thoroughly, a layer of fresh grass should be spread on top. Be careful to keep the soil moist at all times. It will take about 2 months for the seedlings to grow and they can then be transplanted in the spring of the following year.

2. Grafting propagation

When choosing this propagation method, you should use 2 to 3 year old seedlings as rootstocks. If you want to bud graft, it is best to do it in July or August. If you want to cut graft, it should be done in autumn. After grafting, cover all the scions with soil and remove the soil when the spring of the second year is about to pass. If you are doing the grafting indoors, you should place it in wet sand after grafting. After the joint has healed, you can transplant it before it sprouts in the spring of the following year.

3. Cutting propagation

When selecting branches for cuttings, it is best to choose strong branches from plants that have grown for one year. The length of the branches should be about 15 cm. It is best to keep two leaves on them, and about one-third of the leaf surface of each leaf should be cut off. After inserting the branches, be careful to avoid strong light and water them frequently.

4. Ordinary layering

This method is best performed in February or March. Cut half of the base of the branch you have chosen and then cut a section upwards. Put a tile in the middle and slowly press it into the soil. Be careful not to break it. Then secure it with wire and finally pile up soil. After the layering sprouts roots, you can cut it off and plant it in the soil.

5. High branch layering

Before entering the dog days of summer, cut strong young branches with a diameter of 1.5 to 2 cm from the mother plant, and cut a slit under the pot fork. After putting on the bamboo tube, fill it with soil, tie the outside tightly with a rope, and then spray it with water frequently, but be careful not to spray too much. In this way, it will grow new roots around May of the following year, and then we can take it down and plant it.