Crape myrtles are a Southern garden staple known for their colorful blooms and striking bark — but you don’t have to buy a nursery-grown tree to enjoy one. Growing crape myrtles from seed is a rewarding, low-cost project that lets you start from scratch and watch your plant develop from a tiny pod into a flowering tree.
It’s a longer path to get results — expect two to three years before your seed-grown crape myrtle is ready to bloom — but it’s a great option if you’re on a budget or want to experiment with propagation. With just a few basic supplies and a little patience, you can collect seeds in the fall, start them indoors over winter, and move your young trees outside in the spring.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the whole process step-by-step — from harvesting pods at the right time to hardening off your seedlings and planting them in your yard.
Collecting and Harvesting Crape Myrtle Seeds
Crape myrtle seeds develop in pods after the flowers fade in late summer. These pods start out green and ripen into dry, brown capsules that eventually split open. That’s your signal they’re ready to harvest.
The Best Time To Collect Crape Myrtle Seeds
Wait until late fall, once the seed pods have turned brown and started to crack open on their own. That means the seeds inside are mature and ready to grow.
Harvesting Crape Myrtle Seeds
Gently shake the pods over a paper bag or bowl to collect the seeds. If the pods aren’t fully open, you can clip the entire cluster and place it in a vase indoors. They’ll finish drying and open naturally over a few days. Store your seeds in a paper envelope or small container in a cool, dry place until planting.
How To Prepare Crape Myrtle Seeds for Planting
Before planting, you’ll want to store and treat the seeds properly to increase your chances of successful germination.
Seed Storage
Avoid plastic bags — they trap moisture and can cause mold. Stick with a paper envelope or small box and store in a dry cabinet or drawer. Seeds can stay viable for several months this way.
Pre-Planting Treatment
To boost germination, many gardeners use a method called cold stratification. Just place the seeds between two damp paper towels, seal them in a zip-top bag, and keep them in the fridge for three to four weeks. Take them out 24 hours before planting.
Planting Crape Myrtle Seeds
Now that you’ve collected and prepped the seeds, it’s time to plant them. The right timing and conditions are crucial for successful germination and seedling growth.
The Best Time To Plant Crape Myrtle Seeds
Start seeds indoors in early spring, or late winter in warmer zones. This gives the seedlings a head start before moving them outside once the danger of frost has passed.
Planting Process
To plant crape myrtle seeds:
- Fill small pots or seed trays with a light, well-draining potting mix.
- Moisten the soil thoroughly.
- Press seeds into the surface — don’t bury them deep.
- Sprinkle a light layer of milled sphagnum moss over the top.
- Mist the surface with water, then cover with plastic wrap to trap humidity.
- Place pots in a warm spot (75–85°F) with bright, indirect light — no direct sun.
Caring for Crape Myrtle Seedlings
Once the seeds have sprouted, proper care is essential for the healthy growth and development of the young crape myrtle plants.
Germination
Expect sprouts in 10 to 14 days under the right conditions. Once you see them, remove the plastic wrap to allow airflow.
Watering and Fertilizing
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked. Use a spray bottle or a gentle pour to avoid disturbing the seedlings. Once they develop their first true leaves, start feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.
Transplanting
When your seedlings have two sets of true leaves, carefully move them to their own pots. Use a well-draining mix and be gentle — their roots are delicate.
Growing Crape Myrtles Outdoors
Once the weather warms up and your seedlings are a few inches tall, it’s time to prep them for the outdoors.
Hardening Off
Start with a few hours a day in a sheltered outdoor spot, then gradually increase their time and sun exposure over seven to 10 days. If temps dip below 50°F, bring them back inside.
Planting in the Garden
Once hardened off, choose a full-sun spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently remove the seedling from its pot, plant it, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Long-Term Crape Myrtle Care and Maintenance
With proper care, crape myrtle seedlings will grow into beautiful, flowering trees. Consistent attention to watering, fertilizing, and protection from pests and diseases will make sure your crepe myrtle trees grow up to be strong and healthy.
Watering
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season. After that, crape myrtles are fairly drought-tolerant, but still benefit from occasional deep watering during dry periods.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Don’t overdo it — too much nitrogen can lead to lush leaves but few flowers.
Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Cut away any dead or crossing branches and shape the tree as needed. Avoid heavy summer pruning, which can reduce blooms.
Pest and Disease Management
Keep an eye out for aphids, Japanese beetles, and powdery mildew. Most problems can be managed with regular monitoring and targeted treatment — like insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Alternative Propagation Methods
If growing from seed feels too slow, here are two faster options that give you an exact clone of the parent plant:
Propagating from Cuttings
Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from fresh summer growth, strip the bottom leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant in a moist, well-draining mix and cover loosely with plastic to hold humidity. Roots form in four to eight weeks.
Root Suckers
Some crape myrtles send up shoots from their base. Dig them up with their root system intact and plant them in a new spot. This is an easy, free way to clone your tree.
Final Thoughts
Growing crape myrtles from seed takes time, but it’s a rewarding project if you’re patient and enjoy hands-on gardening. You’ll not only save money but also get to watch your tree grow from the ground up — literally.
Whether you’re filling out a landscape or just experimenting, starting from seed is a low-cost way to bring more color to your yard. Just give your seedlings the right care, and you’ll be enjoying vibrant summer blooms in a couple of years.
