Crape Myrtle Seed Harvest

[PalmTreeDude]

I just harvested some Crape Mrytle seeds from a tree I have and am going to attempt to germinate them.

[The Silent Seed]

Careful they don't mold in the plastic bag as they are not quite dry yet. 

I believe those are actually the pods that have many small seeds inside. 

Somebody else should know more than I. I'll be curious to hear how they grow for you, from seeds.

[Silas_Sancona]

Yes, make sure the seed capsules are brown and dry when harvesting.  Let the ones you collected air dry. I often will use those plastic containers deli meat comes in to let close to ripe seed pods/capsules, fruit, etc sit out on top of the refrigerator for a day or so, if need be.. Never had much luck with seed I managed to collect from prematurely harvested ( green) ones I let dry. Seemed the seed always never fully ripened. Individual seeds in the Capsule are tiny and have a maple-like wing. You'll sow alot into a community pot.

While I haven't tried seed from typical/ common Crape Myrtle, i'd been told that seed from other sp. like Queens Crape ( L. speciosa) have a reletively short lifespan and to plant asap. Even so, I'd say germination was 50/50 at best.  **Keep in mind that my experience could be due to how long the person I'd bought seed from had it after it was collected ..so I'd have to try freshly harvested seed to guage actual germination rates. Yours could be better..

Assuming that all Lagerstroemia sp. follow the same rule as what I'd been told, I'd say get the any ripe seed sown and covered ( barely cover with fine sand.. or maybe a thin layer of crushed pine needles. Won't germinate if covered too deeply). They may wait until spring to germinate unless you attempt a batch under lights/ heating pad indoors there.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[Umbrae]

I get bashams volunteering in my yard but never any of the other varieties 

[fastfeat]

Easy from seed, but easier from cuttings. If you want to grow seed, after fully drying the capsules, I'd recommend a week of cold stratification for L. indica. Mix seed in damp mix, place in a plastic bag, and put in refrigerator (NOT freezer). Then sow thinly in trays on sunny windowsill. Probably best to do this in early spring as days begin to lengthen and temps warm.  

[fastfeat]

Fully dried seed, if stored in air-tight containers (pill bottles are great) in the refrigerator, should be fine 'til spring.

[PalmatierMeg]

You could put the pods in paper bags to dry out. Normally the seeds are wind dispersed after the pods break open. In the bag they will open and empty the seeds in place. If you don't want to grow seedlings under lights all winter, refrigerate them as advised until spring.

[TexasColdHardyPalms]

I dont know anyone that grows from seed as they are all grown from cuttings.  

[Fusca]

I tried growing from cuttings before, but didn't succeed.  Tried seeds also, but didn't cold stratify.  I did get a few unexpected volunteer seedlings from leaving some of my container palms parked under a large crape - they're now growing like crazy at my former home.  Seeds are always fun to try though!

Jon

[Umbrae]

Crapes are one of my all time favorites, but only the indica x fauriei do well here, picking some more up friday if all goes well