The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Magnolia macrophylla is in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.
large-leaved cucumber tree
Magnolia macrophylla
The large-leaved cucumber tree (Magnolia macrophylla) is a large, deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States and northern Mexico. It has a dense canopy topped by large, glossy green leaves, which often turn brown in fall. Its white flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and give way to cucumber-like fruits in mid-summer. It can reach heights of up to 85 feet, and its trunk can have a circumference of up to 6 feet. It is a strikingly beautiful tree and provides excellent shade over large areas. It is an important part of many ecosystems and provides food and shelter for wildlife.
Cycle:
Perennial. Magnolia macrophylla is a perennial plant species, meaning it lives for more than two years.
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 8
Flowers:
White with purple petal bases Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Fruits:
blue,green,purple Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Care Level:
High
watering
This species prefers moist, acidic, well-draining soils. During summer, water once or twice a week to keep the soil moist. Do not overwater as this can cause root rot. In the winter, water sparingly. Water your large-leaved cucumber tree every other week, providing enough water to penetrate the top 6-8 inches of soil but do not allow the soil to become soggy. During periods of heavy rain or drought, you may need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
sunlight
Large-leaved cucumber tree (Magnolia macrophylla) is a relatively shade-tolerant species that grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. It does best with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. In shadier spots, this plant will become leggy and weak, and in full sun it can experience leaf burn. Aim to give your tree a balance of at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day with some shade relief for the hottest part of the day in the summer.
pruning
When to Prune: Large-leaved cucumber tree should only be pruned in late winter. This ensures that any springtime growth is not inhibited. How Much to Prune: Large-leaved cucumber trees should be pruned conservatively. Aim to only prune away branches that are damaged, diseased, or dead, and carefully thin it out where necessary. Do not prune away more than 25% of the tree each year, as this can cause the plant to become unbalanced and suffer from dieback or disease.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
The large-leaved cucumber tree typically starts flowering in April.
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Magnolia macrophylla is in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.
