Seed Treatment:
• Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to help soften the hard seed coat and promote germination.
When to Sow:
• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost for best results in cooler climates.
• Outdoors: Sow seeds in spring after the last frost, or when temperatures are consistently above 65°F (18°C).
Sowing Instructions:
• Fill seed trays or pots with a well-draining seed starting mix.
• Sow seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil, covering them with a very thin layer of soil or vermiculite (no more than 1/8 inch or 3 mm deep).
• Mist soil to keep it consistently moist but not soggy.
• Ideal germination temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C).
• Germination usually occurs in 2–8 weeks, but may sometimes take longer.
Light Requirements:
• Prefers full sun for vigorous growth and flowering.
• Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil Requirements:
• Grows best in well-draining, fertile soil.
• Tolerates a range of soil types, but does best with a pH of 5.5–7.5.
Watering:
• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination and establishment.
• Once established, Queen’s Crape Myrtle is drought-tolerant but performs best with regular watering.
Spacing:
• If planting in the landscape, space young trees 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) apart to allow room for mature growth.
Growing Tips:
• Produces large, showy clusters of pink, lavender, or white flowers in summer.
• Leaves are ornamental and may turn red or purple before dropping in cool climates.
• Attractive as a specimen tree, in borders, or as a shade tree.
• Suitable for tropical and subtropical gardens; hardy in USDA Zones 10–11.