The name of the Cucumber Magnolia refers to the green unripe fruits which resemble a small cucumber. After ripening the fruits color dark red and can be 8 cm big. This magnolia is one of the biggest and most hardy plant of the genus, and origins from Northern America. The trees grow there in the forests of the eastern part of the United States, where it can grow up to a height of 30 meters. In the Netherlands the tree can only grow about 15 meters high. The yellow/greenish, primitive flowers smell delicious and are pollinated by beetles.
 
Sowing description: Let the seeds soak for 24 hours in lukewarm water, and then sow them in a sowing mixture. After sowing, put the pot in the fridge for over 8 weeks. The soil should stay moist during this period, so cover the pot in plastic foil. After the period of 8 weeks, let the seeds germinate at 20-15 degC.

Family: Magnoliaceae
Scientific name: Magnolia acuminata
Common name: Cucumber magnolia
Native to: United States

Sowing time: December - june
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimumtemperature: -20 degrees Celsius

Photo 1: Andrew Loudon via Flickr