How to start crape myrtles from seeds or suckers?

[flafonta]

I would like to start new crape myrtles from exisiting ones.

What is the best way?

I thought of clipping a few seeds, store them and plant them in the spring.

I have also heard about using the suckers, but I am not sure how.

Thanks!

[The Ent]

Hmm, that's an interesting question. Never tired it m'self with a Crape Myrtle.

I would expect the suckers could be used like the green-wood cuttings form a tree or shrub. Cut a 4-5 inch length and strip all but the top inch worth of leaves. Plant in moist soil and keep fairly moist for a week or two until they root. Soem folk use rooting hormone. Howard mentions that he's seen better results just using saliva on the cut end before planting.

As for seeds, Might try getting some of those seed pods and try them in a seed tray or small pots in various amounts of light until you find the right combination of light and planting depth.