This site has step by step instructions on germination. It's true that they need a period of cold to germinate. I'd put them in the freezer for at least three months before I tried to germinate them.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to grow Magnolia from seed

i have some seeds lil red ones how do i know if the seed is good to grow some of them have black on them how long are the seeds good for
wardawg3916@bellsouth.net