Important seed-grown variation: Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a named hybrid cultivar. Plants grown from seed are genetically variable and may differ from the parent tree in flower color, form, bloom time, growth habit, and mature size. Yellow flowers and cultivar-true plants are not guaranteed. Gardeners who need an exact ‘Butterflies’ plant should purchase a grafted or otherwise clonally propagated tree.
About Butterfly Magnolia Seeds
This packet contains five magnolia seeds offered under the Butterfly magnolia parent-type name. The parent cultivar is known for upright yellow spring flowers that open before the leaves, but each seedling will be an individual plant with its own combination of traits.
Seed-Starting Instructions
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Prepare the seeds: Soak for 24 hours. If a red or fleshy outer coating is still present, remove it and rinse the seeds.
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Cold-moist stratify: Place the seeds in barely damp sphagnum moss, peat, or vermiculite inside a ventilated bag. Refrigerate at approximately 34–41°F for 90–120 days. Keep the medium moist, not saturated.
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Sow: Plant 1/4–1/2 inch deep in a clean, well-draining seed-starting mix.
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Provide warmth and moisture: Keep at approximately 65–75°F and maintain even moisture. Germination can be irregular and may take several weeks or longer after stratification.
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Grow on carefully: Give seedlings bright light and gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions after frost danger has passed.
Growing Conditions
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Light: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
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Parent-cultivar hardiness: Commonly listed for USDA Zones 5–7; seedling hardiness may vary
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Parent-cultivar size: Approximately 18–20 feet tall and 12–18 feet wide; seedling size may vary
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Bloom season: Spring, once the seedling reaches flowering maturity
What to Expect
Magnolias are long-term seed projects. Seedlings may require several growing seasons before flowering, and not every viable seed germinates on the same schedule. Keep young plants protected from extreme heat, drought, and winter exposure while they establish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will every seedling have yellow flowers?
No. Seed-grown offspring of a named hybrid cultivar do not reliably reproduce all parent traits. Flower color and form can vary.
Are these seeds the same as a grafted ‘Butterflies’ tree?
No. Grafting or another clonal method is used when an exact copy of a cultivar is required.
Can I sow the seeds outdoors?
Fall sowing can provide natural winter chilling in suitable climates, but seeds must remain protected from drying, rodents, and waterlogging.
How many seeds are included?
Five seeds.
