🌸 Growing Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) From Seed: How I Harvested Fall Seed Pods and Successfully Germinated Them
Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a beloved ornamental tree known for its long summer blooms and beautiful fall seed pods.
In this guide, I’ll share how I harvested seeds from mature seed capsules, stored them over winter, and successfully germinated them the following spring.
This is a complete seed-to-seedling timeline based on my own growing experience.
1. Winter Branches With Seed Pods
In early winter, the Crepe Myrtle has already dropped its leaves, leaving behind dried seed pods on the branches.
These pods contain numerous small winged seeds.
This is the perfect time to collect them.
2. Fallen Seed Clusters on the Ground
Some seed clusters naturally fall to the ground.
These dried clusters remain intact and still contain viable seeds.
I collected both fallen pods and those still attached to branches.
3. Gathering the Harvested Seed Clusters
The harvested seed pods vary in size, but each cluster contains many small, lightweight seeds.
The dried pods break open easily when handled.
4. Close-Up of a Seed Cluster
A closer look shows the structure of the pod:
multiple chambers, each filled with thin, wing-like seeds.
This papery wing helps Crepe Myrtle seeds spread naturally by wind.
5. Separating the Individual Seeds
After breaking open the pods, the seeds separate into dozens of tiny, flat, triangular shapes.
These are the viable seeds used for spring sowing.
6. Sowing the Seeds in Spring
The following spring, I sowed the seeds on top of the soil and covered them lightly.
Crepe Myrtle seeds prefer:
- Well-draining soil
- Mild temperatures
- Gentle moisture
They do not need deep burial.
7. One Month Later: Seedlings Appear
About one month after sowing, the first seedlings began to emerge.
They developed upright stems and tiny, bright green foliage.
Even at this stage, they grow faster than expected.
8. True Leaves Forming
As the seedlings matured, their first true leaves appeared.
These leaves resembled miniature versions of adult Crepe Myrtle foliage.
The seedlings became stronger and more defined.
9. Close-Up of True Leaves
A macro view shows the detail and healthy color of the developing true leaves.
This stage indicates that the seedlings are ready for thinning or transplanting.
Conclusion
Growing Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe Myrtle) from seed is easier than many gardeners expect.
With fall seed collection, winter storage, and spring germination,
you can raise dozens of seedlings from just a handful of pods.
Whether you want to plant them in your garden or grow them as bonsai,
Crepe Myrtle is a rewarding tree to start from seed.
