What are the propagation methods for crape myrtle? This article explains seedling techniques in detail

Crape myrtle is a flower with a very long history in China, and many varieties have been developed to date. Crape myrtle is now distributed very widely across China. 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 certain medicinal value. So how should crape myrtle be propagated when growing it? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods for crape myrtle. 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 well. 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 growing space. During the seedling stage, do a good job of cultivating and weeding to concentrate nutrients and improve field aeration. During the growth period, manage water and fertilizer well; water should not be excessive, and keeping the soil moist is enough. When the seedlings grow to about 60 cm, do a good job of pruning in winter, and transplant in the spring of the following year.

2. Cuttage propagation

Cuttage propagation of crape myrtle is divided into softwood cuttage and hardwood cuttage. Softwood cuttage is generally done around July each year, when new branches 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 do a good job of shading management. They usually root in 2-3 weeks. After rooting, remove the film and do a good job of watering. Hardwood cuttage should be carried out around March. Select thick, pest-free and disease-free one-year-old branches, cut them into branches of about 12 cm, and manage them the same way as softwood cuttings.

3. Layering propagation

Layering propagation is not limited by time. It can usually be carried out throughout the entire growth period of crape myrtle, though the best time is generally 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 xylem is exposed. After girdling, apply rooting powder to the wound. After the powder dries, wrap a layer of wet soil around the girdled area, and tie both ends tightly with plastic film to prevent air leakage. Then check frequently within one month. After rooting, 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 the propagation methods for crape myrtle. There is also grafting propagation, but grafting propagation is rather troublesome to carry out, so it is generally not suitable for large-scale production. When propagating, everyone should reasonably use propagation methods according to their own planting area, and should not do so blindly, to avoid wasting time and effort without good results. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!