Crape myrtles are popular for their bold summer flowers and eye-catching bark. While most people pick up plants from a nursery, growing crape myrtles from seeds can be a fun and budget-friendly way to bring these beautiful trees into your yard. Plus, it gives you the chance to watch the whole process unfold from tiny seed to full-grown tree. With a little patience and attention, anyone can grow a crape myrtle from a seed and enjoy its vibrant blooms for years.
Collecting and Harvesting Crape Myrtle Seeds
The first step in growing crape myrtles from seeds is collecting the seeds themselves. Timing is crucial for this process, as the seeds need to be fully mature before you harvest them.
When Is the Best Time to Collect Crape Myrtle Seeds?
Crape myrtle seeds form in pods after the flowers fade in late summer or early fall. These pods start as green berries and gradually darken and dry out as the weather cools. The ideal time to collect seeds is when the pods have turned brown and begun to split open naturally.
How Do You Harvest Crape Myrtle Seeds?
To harvest crape myrtle seeds, wait for the pods to dry and begin splitting open. Then, gently shake the branches over a paper bag or your hand to catch falling seeds. If the pods haven’t opened yet, cut entire seed clusters and place them in a vase of water at home to encourage opening. Once you collect the seeds, store them in a cool, dry place until they’re ready for planting. The papery coating on crape myrtle seeds is delicate, so handle them with care to avoid damaging them.
How To Prepare Crape Myrtle Seeds for Planting
Before planting, crape myrtle seeds require a little bit of preparation. Taking these steps can improve the germination rates and health of your seedlings.
Seed Storage
Store collected seeds in a paper envelope or small container in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Properly stored seeds may remain viable for several months.
Pre-Planting Treatment
While not strictly necessary, some gardeners choose to cold-stratify crape myrtle seeds to improve germination. This process mimics natural winter conditions and can lead to more uniform germination. To do this, start by placing seeds between damp paper towels. Seal them in a plastic bag and refrigerate for three to four weeks. Remove them from refrigeration 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.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Crape Myrtle Seeds?
Early spring is the best time to plant crape myrtle seeds. It gives seedlings time to establish themselves before the heat of summer arrives. In warmer climates, you can plant earlier, like in the late winter.
Planting Process
To plant crape myrtle seeds:
- Fill small pots or seed trays with a light, well-draining potting mix.
- Moisten the soil thoroughly.
- Gently press seeds into the surface of the soil, barely covering them.
- Cover the pots with a thin layer of milled sphagnum moss.
- Mist the surface until damp.
- Cover pots with plastic wrap to maintain humidity.
- Place the covered pots in a warm location (75 to 85°F) with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can overheat the seeds.
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
Crape myrtle seeds typically germinate within 10 to 14 days under ideal conditions. Once sprouts appear, remove the plastic covering.
Watering and Fertilizing
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water gently to avoid disturbing the delicate seedlings. Once the first true leaves appear, begin fertilizing with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.
Transplanting
When seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, they’re ready for transplanting into individual pots. Use a well-draining potting mix and handle the young plants gently to avoid damaging their roots.
Growing Crape Myrtles Outdoors
As the weather warms and seedlings grow stronger, it’s time to prepare them for outdoor living. The transition from indoor seedlings to outdoor plants requires gradual exposure to the elements.
Hardening Off
Before planting crape myrtle seedlings outside, they need to be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. This process, called hardening off, typically takes one or two weeks. Start by placing seedlings outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours each day. Then, gradually increase outdoor time and sun exposure over the course of a week, making sure to bring plants indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F.
Planting in the Garden
Once hardened off, you can plant crape myrtle seedlings in their permanent locations with these steps:
- Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole.
- Backfill with soil, firming gently around the roots.
- Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
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 to establish a strong root system. Once established, crape myrtles are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Prune crape myrtles in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the desired shape and promote healthy growth.
Pest and Disease Management
While generally hardy, crape myrtles can be susceptible to aphids, Japanese beetles, and powdery mildew. Monitor plants regularly and address any issues with appropriate treatments as soon as you notice them.
Alternative Propagation Methods
While growing from seed is rewarding, it’s not the only way to propagate crape myrtles. Here are two alternative methods for those looking to add more crape myrtles to their garden without waiting for seeds to mature:
Propagating from Cuttings
Cuttings allow gardeners to produce a clone of the parent plant, ensuring the same flower color and growth habits. Taking cuttings is a popular method for propagating crape myrtles:
- In summer, take 4 to 6-inch cuttings from new growth.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone.
- Plant in a well-draining potting mix and keep moist.
- Roots should develop in four to eight weeks.
Root Suckers
Some crape myrtle varieties produce root suckers, which you can carefully dig up and transplant to create new plants. This method ensures the new plant will be identical to the parent. Root suckers live at the base of mature crape myrtles. Carefully dig around the sucker, maintaining as much of its root system as possible, and transplant it to a new location.
