Which is the best way to start new plants?

Question

I want to start new plants from a butterfly bush and some crape myrtles i have already. Would it be better to get cuttings and put some rooting solution on them and put them in dirt or put them in water until they root or try to get the seeds? If seeds are the best way, how do i go about getting the seeds?

Answer 1

I like the Jiffy-7 peat pellets for starting cuttings or seeds. Cuttings will grow faster. They make it so easy and they are cheap. They keep seeds or roots damp and when the have rooted, you set the pellet right in the ground, no fuss no muss.

Answer 2

Why don't you try them both ways. The butterfly bush is easily started in water. Crape Myrtle does better with rootone and placed in a good soil. Make a dome of plastic and keep the soil moist but not wet. In about two weeks, you will see new growth. Seeds take a long time to germinate and grow, so to have more or less instant gratification, start the cuttings. Both these plants have seed pods, which you collect when they start opening and let them dry before planting about 1/4" deep in soil.

Unless you just want to start your own plants from cuttings and have true cloning, I sometimes rather just buy the plants at a nursery and set out. That's really instant gratification.

Be sure on the cuttings that you don't fertilize the new plants for several weeks after new growth appears, and then start with half strength.

Answer 3

I did a crepe myrtle last spring. I cut a branch from the base and made sure I pulled some of the root out with it (I cut pretty much right into the ground). Then planted right into the ground and it has survived. As for the butter fly bush you can just did it up and break away a section from the root in the same way as the crepe myrtle.

Answer 4

If you want to go that direction, I would take cuttings, get them to root, and pot them for planting this spring.