Donna, Cucumber Magnolias grow wild in wooded areas here in Kentucky. I see them in mountainous areas with cool, deep, shady woods. The leaves of young saplings get big in summer, and look almost tropical among the rest of the forest plants. They naturally propagate by seed, but I don't know what the seed requires for germination; in a lawn situation, mowing could have eliminated seedlings, or birds or other wildlife may find the fruits desirable (or perhaps they require passing through the digestive system of an animal). Judging from the environment they grow naturally, I would give them rich, well drained soil, and plenty of moisture, typical of the requirements of other Magnolia species.
Best of luck! Please let us know how your trees progress and mature
