Star Magnolia Tree Seeds | (Magnolia stellata)
Star Magnolia Tree Seeds | (Magnolia stellata)
Delicate, early-blooming, and elegantly ornamental.
Magnolia stellata, known as the Star Magnolia, is a compact, cold-hardy magnolia adored for its star-shaped white flowers that burst open in early spring—often before the leaves emerge. Each bloom features up to 18 narrow petals that shimmer in the sunlight, creating a breathtaking display while much of the landscape is still waking from winter.
Native to Japan and cherished worldwide, Star Magnolia is a perfect choice for smaller gardens, courtyards, or woodland edges. Its slow-growing nature and multi-stemmed form make it both manageable and magnificent, offering four-season interest and pollinator appeal.
Why Choose Star Magnolia?
- Early spring blossoms appear before most trees leaf out, signaling the season’s first burst of beauty
- Compact and ideal for small gardens or urban landscapes
- Highly fragrant blooms attract bees and early pollinators
- Cold-hardy, low-maintenance, and adaptable to various soils
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Magnolia stellata
- Germination Rate: 86%
- Harvest Year: 2025
- Seed Source: Illinois
- Stratification: 90 days cold stratification required
- USDA Zones: 4–8
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils preferred
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 10–20 ft tall × 10–15 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (1 ft per year)
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, or 50 seeds
FAQ
Do Star Magnolia seeds need stratification?
Yes. A 90-day cold stratification period is required to soften the seed coat and trigger germination.
When does Star Magnolia bloom?
It blooms in very early spring—often among the first trees to flower—producing a stunning display of pure white or pink-tinted blossoms.
Is Star Magnolia good for pollinators?
Absolutely. Its early-season flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees emerging from winter dormancy.
Evergreen Seed Co. sources and tests every seed for quality and viability. Each packet comes with clear growing instructions, helping you bring rare and resilient trees to life wherever you plant them.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
