Description Cape Myrtle is an ornamental tree that produces beautiful flower clusters, ranging in color from purple to white, pink, and red. Blooming usually takes place in summer and continues throughout fall. Many types of crepe myrtle also provide year-round interest with unique peeling bark. Crepe myrtle trees are tolerant of both heat and drought, making them ideal for nearly any landscape. You can propagate crepe myrtle trees as well, for planting crepe myrtles in your landscape or giving them to others. Let's look at how to grow crepe myrtle from seed, how to start crepe myrtles from roots or crepe myrtle propagation by cuttings. Germination You should typically start the germination process in early spring so that your new growths will be ready for planting by summer. You can try a couple of methods to encourage the germination of crape myrtle seeds: Spread your seeds between two paper towels. Place the paper towels in a plastic bag, then saturate the towels with water using a spray bottle. Push excess air from the bag so that it lays flat. Then, zip it closed. Fill a container with one to two inches of potting soil and drop in the crepe myrtle seeds. Cover the seeds with a generous amount of water using a spray bottle, and then sprinkle a thin layer of potting mix over them. Spray the contents of the container with water one more time, and then place the container in a resealable plastic bag. Keeping the container in a bag will produce the humid environment needed for germination. Crape myrtle seeds typically take two to three weeks to germinate. A successfully germinated seed will produce a white root or tiny green sprout. You should plant seeds from the paper towel method in a container of potting mix at the first sign of root development. The earlier you transfer the seedling to the soil, the less chance you’ll have to damage the delicate root.