February 3, 2017
Question: Can you grow Crepe Myrtles from seeds and
if so, how do I do it? I have tons of seeds and I would
like to try growing them.
Crazy for Crepes
Lea County, NM
Answer:
First: harvest the seedpods, which are actually berries once they begin to split open in the fall. Dry seeds completely, store seeds in air-tight containers for spring planting.
Propagation: Sow or press seeds into a moist potting mix in a 6-8 inch pot or seed flat with individual cells prepared with the potting mix. Add a thin layer of mix or milled peat moss over the seeds. Cover the pot with a plastic grow bag or a plastic lid that comes with the seed germinating trays. You are creating a mini- greenhouse environment. Move to a well-lit and warm location of a minimum temperature at 75 degrees. Do not put in full sunlight to much heat buildup. Crepe Myrtle seedlings will germinate in 2 to 3 weeks.
Crazy for Crepes
Lea County, NM
Answer:
First: harvest the seedpods, which are actually berries once they begin to split open in the fall. Dry seeds completely, store seeds in air-tight containers for spring planting.
Propagation: Sow or press seeds into a moist potting mix in a 6-8 inch pot or seed flat with individual cells prepared with the potting mix. Add a thin layer of mix or milled peat moss over the seeds. Cover the pot with a plastic grow bag or a plastic lid that comes with the seed germinating trays. You are creating a mini- greenhouse environment. Move to a well-lit and warm location of a minimum temperature at 75 degrees. Do not put in full sunlight to much heat buildup. Crepe Myrtle seedlings will germinate in 2 to 3 weeks.
Control Recommendation: Watch your planting for drying out of the soil mix. Do not overwater or you
will rot the seeds/seedlings.
Once seedlings have emerged, remove plastic tray top or open plastic bag partially. This is where you have to begin to wean or harden-off your newly emerged seedlings. If planted before Lea County’s last frost date of April 15th, you will have to treat these seedlings as an indoor houseplant. You would gradually acclimate them to the outdoors climate and conditions; ultimately being planted in a permanent landscape location. Increase the light level to prevent seedlings from stretching towards light sources. You want to strengthen the plants, turn pots and/or tray in light conditions. On warm days seedlings can go outside but keep out of hot sun rays, windy, drying conditions. Once outside and planted treat them tenderly and loving. They are new seedlings transplants just like tomatoes or peppers plant into a garden; they need proper care, protection from the elements to grow up into a flowering shrub.
Overall, the Crepe Myrtle seeds you plant out will only have a few actually germinate. So sow many seeds. Also understand that the natural pollination process may create a new color, different flower form, and plant characteristics than the parent crepe myrtle plant presents when grown to flowering maturity.
Good luck growing Crepes from seed, let me know if you are successful.
Dr. Dirt
Once seedlings have emerged, remove plastic tray top or open plastic bag partially. This is where you have to begin to wean or harden-off your newly emerged seedlings. If planted before Lea County’s last frost date of April 15th, you will have to treat these seedlings as an indoor houseplant. You would gradually acclimate them to the outdoors climate and conditions; ultimately being planted in a permanent landscape location. Increase the light level to prevent seedlings from stretching towards light sources. You want to strengthen the plants, turn pots and/or tray in light conditions. On warm days seedlings can go outside but keep out of hot sun rays, windy, drying conditions. Once outside and planted treat them tenderly and loving. They are new seedlings transplants just like tomatoes or peppers plant into a garden; they need proper care, protection from the elements to grow up into a flowering shrub.
Overall, the Crepe Myrtle seeds you plant out will only have a few actually germinate. So sow many seeds. Also understand that the natural pollination process may create a new color, different flower form, and plant characteristics than the parent crepe myrtle plant presents when grown to flowering maturity.
Good luck growing Crepes from seed, let me know if you are successful.
Dr. Dirt
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