What are the propagation methods for crape myrtle? A detailed guide to the latest techniques

Crape myrtle is a flower with a very long history in our country, and many varieties have been developed to date. Crape myrtle is now distributed very widely across our country; the trunk of the crape myrtle tree is smooth and graceful, its flowering period is relatively long, and its ornamental value is high. In addition, its flowers, leaves and roots all have a certain medicinal value. So how should crape myrtle be propagated when growing it? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods for crape myrtle, so let's take a look!

1. Seed propagation

Crape myrtle is generally sown in spring. First, prepare a seedbed, mainly using sandy soil with strong permeability that is loose and fertile. Control the sowing density; after sowing, cover with fine soil to prevent the seeds from being exposed. Under normal management, they will germinate in about 11 days. When the seedlings grow two true leaves, carry out thinning on rainy days to provide the seedlings with sufficient room to grow. During the seedling stage, do a good job of cultivating and weeding to concentrate nutrients and improve field aeration. During the growing period, manage water and fertilizer well; do not use too much water, just keep the soil moist. When the seedlings reach about 60 cm, do a good job of pruning in winter and transplant in the following spring.

2. Cutting propagation

Crape myrtle cutting propagation is divided into softwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are generally taken around July each year, when the new shoots have strong growth ability and a high survival rate. First select branches that are not fully lignified, then cut them into small sections of about 9 cm, keep about 3 leaves, then insert them into the substrate, then water thoroughly, cover with soil and film, and provide good shade management. They usually take root in 2-3 weeks; after rooting, remove the film and do a good job of watering. Hardwood cuttings should be taken around March. Select thick, pest- and disease-free one-year-old branches and cut them into sections of about 12 cm, managing them the same way as softwood cuttings.

3. Layering propagation

Layering propagation is not limited by time and can generally be carried out throughout the entire growing period of crape myrtle, though the best time is usually around March. If using air layering, first select robust branches that have grown within two years. Then girdle the branch by about 2 cm, until the branch is exposed to the xylem, and after girdling apply rooting powder to the wound. After the powder dries, wrap a layer of moist soil around the girdled area and tie both ends tightly with plastic film to prevent air leakage. Then check frequently within one month; once roots have formed, cut the branch off from the base and it becomes an independent plant, which can then be planted at the appropriate time.

The above is a brief introduction to crape myrtle propagation methods. There is also grafting propagation, but grafting is rather troublesome to carry out, so it is generally not suitable for large-scale production. When propagating, everyone should choose propagation methods rationally according to their own planting area, and not proceed blindly, to avoid wasting time and effort without good results. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!