I have an Anne Magnolia tree loaded with seeds, but I don't know when they will be ripe enough to pick them. Please Help! Thank You roseycats
Magnolia seed pods, like many other seed pods, will open and the seeds will begin to drop when they are mature. They should be a bright red, which I suppose is attractive to birds, etc. Since the seed hull is fairly indestructible (the seeds must be soaked or macerated - literally chewing or tearing the outer hull off - before planting), the seeds probably pass through the birds, etc. intact and are distributed about by the wildlife. This ensures propogation and survival of the species. Rather ingenious when you think about it. I hope this helps.
