The Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is an ornamental shrub or small tree celebrated for its extended summer display of ruffled, vibrant blooms. Propagating this plant from seed is a straightforward and economical way to produce new specimens. Harvesting mature seed pods at the correct time ensures maximum viability for future growth.
Identifying Mature Seed Pods
Crepe Myrtles produce small, green, berry-like capsules after the flowers fade in late summer. These capsules must be allowed to mature and dry completely on the tree throughout the fall.
The optimal window for harvest typically arrives in late fall or early winter, often after the foliage has dropped or following the first hard frost. At this point, the pods transition from green and soft to a dark brown or nearly black coloration. They should feel hard and dry to the touch, indicating the seeds inside have fully ripened.
A key visual cue that the pods are ready is when the tips of the capsules just begin to split open. Collecting the pods just before they fully open is important to prevent the tiny, winged seeds from scattering onto the ground.
Step-by-Step Seed Collection
The collection process can begin with a few simple tools. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove the seed clusters from the branches. It is best to cut the small stem just below the base of the seed pod cluster rather than pulling or snapping them off.
Focus only on collecting the darkest, driest pods that have remained firmly closed or are barely beginning to crack. If the tree is tall, use a stable ladder to reach higher clusters. Collecting only mature pods is crucial because unripe seeds will not germinate reliably.
If the pods are still tightly closed, clipping entire sections of the branch tip with the seed capsules attached is a suitable technique. These clusters can then be brought indoors to finish the drying process. This method ensures that the seeds are not lost to wind or wildlife before they can be extracted.
Preparing Seeds for Storage or Sowing
The collected seed pods require a final drying period indoors. Spread the pods in a single layer on a tray or newspaper in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. This drying period should last approximately one to two weeks.
After the drying phase, the pods should be brittle and easily opened to release the seeds. For stubborn pods, lightly crush or break them apart to access the small, papery, winged seeds inside. Each capsule typically contains twenty or more seeds.
The next step involves separating the small seeds from the chaff, which is the dried pod debris and wings. You can achieve this by gently blowing over the collection, allowing the lighter debris to scatter while the heavier seeds remain. Once cleaned, the seeds are ready for either immediate sowing or long-term storage.
For long-term preservation, place the clean seeds into a paper envelope or a small, breathable container. Avoid using airtight plastic bags, as these can trap residual moisture and encourage mold growth. Store the labeled container in a consistently cool, dark, and dry environment, such as a refrigerator, until ready to plant. A period of cold stratification for about 30 days can often improve and synchronize the germination rate when planting.