AboutMike Mascio Expertise I have been an avid gardener since 1985 and an AllExpert volunteer since
1998. I specialize in soil preparation, seed starting and plant
propagation, flowers, vegetables, and general landscaping. I am a strong
advocate of the square foot method of gardening and the use of organic
controls for pests and diseases.
Expert: Mike Mascio Date: 6/29/2008 Subject: Propagation - Crepe Myrtles
Question can you propagate the sucklings off of the bottom of the crape myrtle trees. We had someone cut one down that shouldn't have been. Now is has all of these sucklings come up and we want to transplant them. thank you
Answer Karen, cuttings are without question the easiest method of propagating myrtle. Simply cut a tender shoot from a suckling that is at least six inches long. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. You can purchase this product at any garden center. Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.
Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting. After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.
Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.
