Question
Hi Mike,
How does one propagate Crepe Myrtle from seeds? I live in central Texas. Thanks, Kirby

Answer
Kirby, you would need to wait until the plant produces seed pods, cut the seed pods and place them in a dry location for several days to completely dry out. Then, carefully remove the seeds from the pods, and store them over the winter in a dry location that remains around 40F to simulate dormant conditions. A good place is in a ziploc bag in the back of the refrigerator. Next year, you would plant the seeds either indoors in late winter, and nurture them as you would any seedling, or plant them directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

I personally would avoid propagating with seeds taken from a landscape plant. The reason is that most plants grown in today's landscapes are hybrids. Seeds taken from hybrids seldom grow true to the parent plant. Instead, they inherit characteristics from the many plants used to develop the hybrid. In other words, you cannot be sure that the color, size, and growth habit will be the same.

An easier way to propagate, and to ensure identical characteristics as the parent plant, is with cuttings. Simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long. Avoid growth that has turned woody. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. This product can be purchased at most garden centers. Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting.

After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

I hope this helps. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike