Detailed Guide to Crape Myrtle Planting Techniques and Management Methods

Crape myrtle is a flowering tree with a very long planting history. Through the practice of generation after generation, many varieties have been bred, and it is now planted in a wide range of areas. Crape myrtle flowers also come in many colors - red is delicate and bright, purple is romantic, pink is lovely, and so on. In short, they are all very beautiful and charming, with high ornamental value. Crape myrtle can also be used in traditional Chinese medicine and has certain medicinal value. Today let us learn about crape myrtle planting techniques.

1. Seed collection

The fruit generally matures in autumn and winter, and the fruit can be harvested in November and December. Remove the skin of the fruit, take out the seeds, and place them in a cool, dry place to dry naturally. The temperature in this season is too low and not suitable for seed development, so the seeds can be stored in a dry container and planted after the temperature rises again in the spring of the following year.

2. Sowing methods

1. Choose a patch of loose, breathable sandy soil, and make it into a seedbed by turning and leveling the soil. Large stones and impurities in the soil should be removed, and the soil surface should be kept level.

2. Sow the seeds by broadcasting or drilling at appropriate intervals, and the row spacing can be widened a little. After spraying water, cover with a thin layer of fine burned soil; it does not need to be too thick, just enough that the seeds cannot be seen. Cover the top with straw mats to reduce loss of moisture and temperature.

3. About ten days after sowing, the seeds sprout new buds and push up through the soil surface. At this time, the straw mats should be removed promptly, and the young buds should be carefully tended.

3. Later management

1. Thinning

The young buds develop into seedlings, and thinning can be carried out when the seedlings have four leaves. It is best to do this at noon after rain, when the soil is soft and the operation is relatively simple; they can be pulled out directly. Remove the excess seedlings that are planted too densely or are growing poorly.

2. Topdressing

During the seedling stage, the plants are still relatively fragile and need more nutrients. Pay attention to clearing weeds in the field to avoid competition for nutrients.

Summer is the period of rapid growth, and topdressing can be applied two to three times in June and July to provide nutrients.

3. Water

Normally, water whenever the soil surface looks dry. Evaporation is too strong in summer, so irrigate heavily to prevent drought and seedling death. By the end of the year, they can grow to half a meter tall. If nutrients are sufficient, flowering may also be seen, but these flowers cannot be kept and should be pruned off to conserve strength for producing more flowers next year.