CRAPE MYRTLE TREE SEEDS
(Lagerstroemia indica)
Crape Myrtles are a Very Popular Choice in Southern Landscaping because of their Long-Term Profusion of Pinkish Red Colored Blossoms. Large Clusters Appear on the Tips of New Branches Beginning in Early Summer and Continues into Fall. It has been Called the "Lilac of the South". Crape Myrtle is Ideally Suited for Formal or Informal Design in the Home Landscape, Street Plantings and Community Plantings. It can be Planted as a Specimen or in Groups, and Looks Very Attractive when Underplanted with a Ground Cover; the Dark Green of the Groundcover Contrasts Well with the Handsome Bark. Crape Myrtle can Reach Heights of 10-30 Foot Tall, & has a Spread of 15-25 Foot Wide at Maturity. The Thin Gray Bark is Exfoliating, Exposing a Smooth, Vari-Colored Under Bark Ranging from Brown to Gray. It Needs Plenty of Moisture until being fully Established. After they are Established they will Tolerate Drought and Grow Well in Limited Soil Spaces. During the Growing Season, New Growth can be Pinched to Increase Flower Production & Branches. The Branches will Droop as the Tree Grows. The Lower Branches are Often Thinned to Show Off the Trunk’s Form and Color. Because Pruning can Significantly Reduce Cold Hardiness, you Should Try to Have it Completed by Early August.
Zones
7-9
Crape Myrtle Germination:
1) Soak seeds for 24 hours.
2) Cold stratify by placing in a zip lock bag of "moist vermiculite". It cannot be wet, or dry. It has to be slightly moist at all times or germination will not be possible. Place inside the fridge for 4 weeks. This will help increase germination rates.
3) Place seeds on top of a moist & well draining seed starting mix. Then cover with a very thin layer of sand. Use a spray bottle to mist sand until moist without over wetting. Cover with a piece of plastic with a few small holes cut into it to keep the humidity high.
4) Use a heated propagator to keep the soil at 80-85 degrees F.
5) Expect germination within 2-3 weeks. Once they have sprouted, remove the plastic and place in a sunny area, while always keeping the soil moist, and never wet.