Planting morning glory vines from seed is a straightforward process.
Table of Contents
Step-by-step guide to help you grow Morning Glory
Getting started:
- Selecting the Seeds: Choose morning glory seeds from a reputable source or collect them from mature seed pods on existing plants. There are different varieties available, so consider your preference for flower color and size.
- Timing: Morning glory seeds should be sown directly into the ground after the last frost date in your area when the soil has warmed up. This is usually in late spring or early summer. Check your local climate and frost dates for accurate timing.
- Soil preparation: Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil using a sieve or with a garden fork or tiller. Morning glory plants prefer well-draining soil, so if your soil is heavy or compacted, consider adding organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility.
- Sowing the seeds: Make small holes in the soil, about ½ inch deep. Space the holes 6 to 12 inches apart, as morning glory plants can spread quickly. Drop one or two seeds into each hole and cover them with soil. Water gently to settle the soil around the seeds.
- Sunlight and water: Morning glory plants require full sun exposure to thrive, so choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Thinning and training: If more than one seed germinates in each hole, thin out the weaker seedlings, leaving only the strongest one. As the vine grows, gently train it to wrap around the support structure, guiding the tendrils as needed.
How fast do morning glory vines grow?
Morning glory vines (Ipomoea species) as well as Passion flower plant are known for their rapid growth rate. Once they establish and start growing, they can exhibit vigorous growth and quickly cover the area they are planted in.
On average, morning glory vines can grow at a rate of about 6 to over 10 feet per season under optimal conditions.
Best place to plant morning glories
To ensure their successful growth and abundant blooming, it is important to choose the right planting location.
The following are some key factors to consider when deciding where to plant morning glories:
- Sun exposure: Morning glories (Ipomoea species) thrive in warm, sunny locations with ample direct sunlight. Select a planting spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The abundant sunlight is essential for the healthy growth and blooming of morning glory flowers.
- Moist, well-drained soil: Morning glories prefer soil that is consistently moist but well-drained. The soil should be loose and fertile, with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Prior to planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage, ensuring a healthy growing environment for the plants.
- Protection from strong winds: Providing some shelter from strong, drying winds is important for morning glories. These plants can be susceptible to wind damage, particularly when young and establishing their root systems. Consider planting morning glories near a windbreak, such as a fence or hedge, to provide some protection from strong gusts of wind and minimize potential damage.
Do morning glories come back every year?
Morning glories (Ipomoea species) are typically grown as annuals in most regions. They complete their lifecycle within a single growing season, producing seeds before the onset of winter.
However, in regions with mild winters or favourable climates, morning glories may reseed themselves and appear to come back each year.
The seeds dropped by the previous year’s plants can germinate and grow anew, resulting in the reappearance of morning glory vines in subsequent seasons
Do morning glories need a trellis to climb?
Morning glories (Ipomoea species) and others like clematis are climbing vines that require support to climb and reach their full potential.
While they can grow as sprawling ground cover in the absence of support, providing a trellis or other vertical structure offers numerous advantages such as:
- Vertical growth and space saving
By providing a trellis, morning glory vines can grow upward, making efficient use of garden space. They can cover vertical surfaces, such as walls or fences, adding height and visual interest to your garden or outdoor space.
- Improved Sunlight Exposure
A trellis and lattice allows morning glory vines to receive optimal sunlight exposure. By growing vertically, the vines can access more direct sunlight, which is essential for their growth and flowering. This results in healthier plants and more abundant blooms
- Enhanced air circulation
Building a trellis ensures better air circulation around the plants compared to when they are sprawling on the ground. Improved airflow reduces the risk of diseases and promotes healthier foliage.
How many times do morning glories bloom?
Morning glories (Ipomoea species) are known for their prolific blooming throughout the summer and into the early fall.
Each morning glory flower typically blooms for a single day, opening in the morning and closing in the evening. However, morning glory plants produce numerous buds, and new flowers continuously replace the ones that have faded.
This continuous blooming pattern allows morning glories to provide a long-lasting display of colorful flowers throughout the growing season. However, it’s worth noting that as the weather cools down and temperatures drop, morning glory plants become less tolerant and may begin to decline.
Unlike the Calla lily that grow and thrive in frost, when exposed to frost or freezing temperatures, morning glories can suffer damage, causing the foliage to wither and the entire plant to wilt and die.
Therefore, thou they bloom profusely throughout the summer, their blooming period will eventually come to an end as colder weather sets in and the plants succumb to the chill of winter.
Pots or in the ground – where do morning glories do better?
Morning glories (Ipomoea species) can be successfully grown both in pots and in the ground, but each option has its considerations and advantages.
Growing morning glories in pots offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to have more control over the growing conditions.
You can choose a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage and nutrients, ensuring optimal growth for the plants.
Pots also offer portability, allowing you to move the plants to different locations to maximize on sunlight exposure or protect them from adverse weather conditions.
Moreover, if you live in a region with colder winters, growing morning glories in pots allows you to bring them indoors or into a greenhouse during the winter months, extending their lifespan.
Growing Morning Glory vine In the Ground
Planting morning glories directly in the ground can also be a viable option. In favorable climates, morning glories can establish deep root systems and spread out more freely, potentially leading to larger and more vigorous plants.
The ground provides natural insulation and moisture retention, reducing the need for frequent watering compared to potted plants.
Morning glories grown in the ground also have more space to spread and climb, creating a beautiful display across fences, trellises, or other structures. Ultimately, the choice between pots and the ground depends on your specific circumstances and preferences.
Consider factors such as available space, portability needs, local climate, and the desired visual impact. Both options can be successful with proper care and attention to the specific needs of the morning glory plants.