About Morning Glories
With its charming, old-fashioned appeal, the morning glory brings a touch of nostalgia to any garden. Its heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers evoke a simpler time, when vining blooms adorned trellises, arbors, and gazebos. True to its name, the morning glory’s tightly coiled buds unfurl only when warmed by the morning sun, revealing a stunning array of pink, purple, scarlet, blue, magenta, white, solid, and striped blossoms. These fragrant flowers not only delight the senses but also attract pollinators. However, morning glories are vigorous climbers, so be sure to choose their planting location thoughtfully to accommodate their prolific growth!
When to Plant Morning Glory Seeds
Seeds can be sown directly into the garden once the soil temperature reaches 65°F or higher. Alternatively, for an earlier start, they can be planted indoors four to six weeks before the last expected frost date in your region.
Where to Plant Morning Glory Seeds
Morning glory plants thrive in full sun, so it’s essential to choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. This ensures healthy growth and abundant blooms.
How to Plant Morning Glory Seeds
1. Seed Preparation:
Morning glory seeds benefit from scarification, which involves gently nicking the seed coat with a knife or rubbing it with sandpaper or a file. After scarification, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to further encourage germination.
2. Direct Outdoor Sowing:
-
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil.
-
Space seeds 8 to 12 inches apart.
-
Choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
-
Once the vines reach six inches in height, provide trellis support unless planted in a hanging planter, where vines can cascade freely.
3. Indoor Seed Starting:
-
Begin six weeks before the last expected frost date.
-
Use a seed-starting mix and sow one seed 1/2 inch deep in each pot.
-
Water thoroughly and cover pots with clear plastic to retain moisture and heat.
-
Place pots in a brightly lit area with temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may overheat the pots.
-
Seeds typically germinate in one to two weeks. Remove the plastic once seedlings emerge.
-
Provide six to eight hours of sunlight daily and maintain temperatures between 60°F and 85°F.
-
Harden off seedlings before transplanting them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
4. Transplanting Outdoors:
-
Plant seedlings at the same depth as they were in the pots, spacing them 8 to 12 inches apart.
-
Ensure the planting site has full sun and well-draining soil.
Morning glories are tender annuals and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, so timing and proper care are key to their success.
How to Care for Morning Glories
To care for morning glories, follow these simple guidelines:
-
Watering: Water the soil weekly initially, or whenever it appears dry. Once the plants are established, water only as needed, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
-
Deadheading: Remove spent blooms as they appear to encourage continuous flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.
-
End-of-Season Care: At the first sign of frost, cut back dead vines to prepare the area for the next growing season.
Morning glories are relatively low-maintenance, making them a delightful addition to any garden!
