Perhaps due to climate change, UK magnolias may be setting more fruit.
In recent years the RHS Members’ Advisory Service has received more and more enquiries about ‘abnormal growths’ on magnolias. These are nothing more serious than the trees setting seed. Warmer springs lead to better pollination, and longer summers ripen fruit better. The fruit of most are large and spectacular as they mature, split and reveal bright orange or red seed coats.
Seed from hybrid magnolias will not come true; in most cases seedlings will be inferior in flower quality to the parent, and may take many years to flower. Germinating and growing on the seeds is straightforward: gather seed once the fruit splits. The bright, fleshy seed coat should be removed after soaking in water for a day or two. Sow immediately, singly into deep pots of multipurpose compost. Place outdoors for winter in a sheltered spot or cold frame and germination should follow in spring.