Propagating Crape Myrtle in California’s Central Valley

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) thrives in USDA zones 7–9, including the Central Valley. Propagate by:

Seed: Sow fresh; germinates in ≤30 days.
Softwood cuttings in late spring: 6-inch cuttings, rooting hormone, mist/ humidity.
Purchased plants: Fastest for landscape use.

Provide full sun, regular water (1 inch/week), and average soil. They grow as multi-trunk trees or shrubs depending on pruning.

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