How to propagate crape myrtle and what to pay attention to

How to propagate crape myrtle

There are many ways to propagate crape myrtle, mainly including grafting, hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings, division, and sowing. Crape myrtle seeds can be propagated, and the natural way of reproduction is seed propagation, and cutting propagation is the fastest.

Hydroponic Crape Myrtle Propagation

If you want to successfully grow crape myrtle in hydroponics, branch selection is the first priority. Before starting to hydroponically grow crape myrtle branches, you must first find a disease-free, healthy mother plant, cut healthy and pest-free branches from it, cut the bottom at an angle, and remove some unnecessary branches and leaves, leaving them for use when hydroponically growing.

Crape myrtle breeding time

The high survival rate of crape myrtle cuttings depends mainly on the selected cuttings. When cuttings are made from hard branches, they can be done in March and April, when the survival rate is relatively high. When cuttings are made from soft branches, they can be done between July and August, when the survival rate is relatively high.

How to propagate crape myrtle

Propagation of Crape Myrtle by Division

When the buds sprout in early spring in March, the shoots at the roots of the crape myrtle can be separated from the mother plant and planted separately. Depending on the growth conditions, 2-3 roots or a single root can be planted into seedlings, and they will survive after being watered enough.

Crape Myrtle Cutting Propagation

(1) Hardwood cuttings: Hardwood cuttings are done before the branches sprout in late March to early April. Choose one-year-old sturdy branches, 15 cm in length, and insert them into a loose, fertile, well-drained seedbed. When the top bud is exposed, water it thoroughly and cover it with plastic film to keep it moist and warm. When the seedlings grow to 20 cm, remove the film and replace it with a shade net.

(2) Softwood cuttings: Softwood cuttings are usually done in July and August each year. This is the peak period for new branch growth. First, select woody branches with a length of 10 cm and two or three leaves on them. Insert them into the soil, then water them thoroughly and build a shade net to provide shade. They will take root in about 20 days, and then the film can be removed.

Seed propagation of crape myrtle

Crape myrtle can be sown in March, directly in rows or broadcast on the seedbed, covered with a layer of soil to cover the seeds, and then covered with a layer of grass to keep warm and promote germination. After about ten days, remove the grass immediately after the seeds germinate, and thin out the seedlings and weed after two leaves grow. Add a small amount of fertilizer from June to July.

Precautions for propagating crape myrtle

Crape myrtle has strong adaptability to the environment and is easy to cultivate, but it is suitable for planting in deep and fertile sandy loam. It is best to keep the soil slightly moist. Drainage should be done well in the rainy season, and the maintenance environment should have good lighting. If it is dark, the growth will be weak, and the branches and leaves will be small.