What is the best method to start a crepe mertle cutting?

Answer 1

My granny taught me to take a cutting from anything growing and get it started. My yard is full of bushes and flowers & still growing after 17 years. Heres a mental illustration. Lets say a healthy rose bush-6 feet wide in front of you, in the ground.Walk around it & you'll see little limbs sprouting off healthy bigger limbs. Can you picture where the newer limb or sprout has grown from this limb? Right exactly where the new limb has sprouted off the larger stem-or limb is your prize.Grab the sprout where it comes forth from the larger limb & strip it down-don't break it off but stripe it down & will take the outer layer from the bigger limb,stripe it like you're peeling a banana-until its free.
Stick this in a bucket,jar,bottle with water in it & let it set overnight to suck up h20. Next day, dig a hole, pour a bucket of water-or gallon of water in the hole, & stick the transplant limbat least 8 inches of cutting in the hole. Now cover 1/2 of hole w/dirt, & pour about 1/2 gallon of water slowly until it soaks or stands in & around the "cutting". Finally more dirt & water,pat down & keep a watch every day, more water if looks dry (hot summer,yes). I usually do my new cutting planting in the fall or very early spring. When the soil isn't hot, it has a great chance to love the cool earth and roots will take place, as long as its kept watered.If its raining lots, no need to water.You can put a root starter at first-but I've never had to use it.Take care of it like a new born baby & you'll see when it needs something.Occassionally I do lose one, but hardly ever.You can put 2-3-4-5 of these striped cutting in one hole and it'll really take off-but does need more water.

Answer 2

Crepe mytle probably isn't the easiest plant to root, but it certainly won't hurt to try. You will need a small jar of rooting hormone such as Rootone (you should be able to get this at a nursery). Find a part of the crepe myrtle that is relatively young and has as little bark as possible. Prepare a 6-inch pot with a drainage hole by filling it with moist sterile potting soil (don't use garden soil). Cut a piece of the plant about 12 inches long that has leaves; remove any flowers and seed pods. Dip the end that was nearest the trunk in rooting hormone, push it down into the soil, and firm the soil around it. Put the pot in an area that is warm, and gets plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, and in a few months you should have a rooted cutting which you can then plant where you wish.

Answer 3

In Texas, they don't die unless you spend a great deal of money purchasing one.

You can buy almost any crepe myrtle in a one gallon container for under $5.00

Make SURE the plant is native to YOUR area of the country. That usually means stay away from Home Depot or Low es.

Your local nursery is the best choice.
Get a variety that is mildew resistant and you will have very little problems.

If the tree you are wanting has sentimental value, follow all suggestion an this page, then buy a crepe myrtle!!!

Answer 4

They are very easy to start. I know someone who trimmed his back and used the cut pieces to stake his tomatoes. No root tone, and they rooted. He had not concieved that they could. You could also dig up some suckers that have roots to have them faster.

Answer 5

I know... but you will not like the answer.. the best thing to do is buy a plant that is already started... believe me.

Answer 6

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