Question
QUESTION: i have been trying for 5 yrs to grow a jane magnolia.i have lost every one. i just bought onemore and if this one dies i'm giving up.what is the bes fertilizer to use and when should it be applied

ANSWER: Hi Linda,
Thanx for your question.  Before I answer it, where are you located?
thx,
Tom

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QUESTION: i'm sorry didn't think of that.i'm in indiana

Answer
Hi Linda,
Thanx for your question.  The 'Jane' Magnolia is one of the easier to grow magnolias.  It will grow in most soils.  Hardy from zones 4-7.  Needs well-drained soil.  Jobes Fruit and Flowering Fertilizer sticks would be a good choice for fertilizer.  Follow the directions on the package.

When you buy the new tree, make sure you dig a hole bigger than the current size of the rootball of the tree.  You will want the tree to sit about two inches below the ground.  Make sure the hole is spacious enough so that the roots are not wound up and crowded.  Cover the bottom of the hole with composted manure.  Cover the root ball with the soil and then water it profusely.  You'll want to make sure that the tree is watered once a week if there is not regular rain.  The soil must be well-drained.  You don't want this plant sitting in soggy soil.  It needs full sun with maybe some afternoon shade.

Can you describe what happens to the tree when it dies?  I hope this helps.
Tom