Question
Hi! I have been reading up on planting a magnolia from seed. I live in central Va,
should I start the seeds in pots and then transplant in the spring or should I just
start them in the ground . . . I'm not really sure the best way to go about this.

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Reisa,
Thanx for your question.  You may grow your magnolia seeds either way.  Prepare a small seed bed and plant the seeds 1 inch deep a few inches apart.  Keep them watered if it doesn't rain or snow once a week.  They will begin to germinate after the last frost next spring.  They will not require a 'hardening off' period like seedlings grown indoors.  

To grow seedlings indoors, place them inside a damp paper towel and place this inside a plastic baggie and seal it.  Leave it in the fridge for 60-90 days.  Then remove from the bag and towel and plant one inch deep in pots.  Keep in a warm room under 40-watt shop lights.  They will begin to germinate in 3-4 weeks.  When they are large enough to handle, gently prick them out and plant in separate pots.  After the last frost, place the seedlings outdoors in the shade protected from weather and sunlight extremes for about 10 days.  That is called a hardening off period and allows the plants to get used to the conditions outdoors.  After that, plant in full sun.  I hope this helps.
Tom