| got crape myle seeds from ebay,How many seeds do i generally plant? also was gonna start inside first to get establisted,is this a good idea? |
| Although you did not ask this, I think I should mention that your zip code places you in winter hardiness zone 5. Unfortunately, most crape myrtles are not quite hardy that cold of a climate. For this reason you may have trouble growing your plants in the long term. But to start the seeds, begin by placing them in barely damp vermiculite or similar material inside a sealed container and chill that in the refrigerator for about two months. Then plant the seeds at a warm room temperature (soil should be about 70 degrees, keeping in mind soil temperature tends to be about 5 degrees cooler than the room itself). Then harden off gradually and transplant outdoors when the weather has settled and the soil is warm, say several weeks after your your last frost. Your plants will do best in a sheltered, warm, full sun location with protection from the winter wind; the soil should also be well drained for better winter hardiness. Most crape myrtles are propagated by cutting to assure consistent results, and cuttings root easily. As far as your expected luck with the seeds, your germination rate will depend on how they have been handled since harvest and on the planting conditions you provide. You will also probably find some variation between the seedlings in terms of vigor and also potential winter hardiness. Good luck with your project! |
