Crepe myrtle is an incredibly popular flowering shrub, with its vibrant blooms and hardy nature.
Often grown in the southern United States, this plant can survive in almost any climate.
But did you know that you can propagate crepe myrtle to get even more of these beautiful plants?
Read on to learn the basics of propagating crepe myrtle from seed or cutting.
Propagating from Seed
The most common way to propagate crepe myrtle is from seed.
To start, collect seeds from your existing plants and allow them to dry out before planting them indoors.
It’s best to use fresh seeds; those that are more than a year old will have a much lower success rate when it comes to germination.
Once your seeds are ready, fill small pots with soil and plant two or three seeds per pot.
Water the soil and place the pots in an area with plenty of light but not too much direct sunlight.
Water the soil every few days until sprouts appear, then move the pots into full sun outdoors once they reach six inches tall.
Propagating from Cuttings
Another method for propagating crepe myrtle is by taking cuttings.
The best time for this is late spring or early summer when new growth appears on your existing plants.
Take cuttings about 6 inches long and snip off any flowers before inserting them into moist soil or sand medium mix in small containers or flats.
Keep the cuttings in an area with indirect sunlight until new roots form—this could take up to several weeks—then transfer them outdoors after they’re established.
Conclusion
Whether you’re propagating crepe myrtle from seed or cuttings, it’s important to keep your young plants well-watered throughout their first growing season outdoors, as this will help promote strong root systems and healthy blooms come springtime!
With a little care and patience, you can easily propagate crepe myrtle at home so that you can enjoy its vibrant beauty year after year!
