How to Grow Morning Glory Flowers: A Guide to Growing Morning Glories

Morning glory flowers scientifically known as Ipomoea purpurea or Convolvulus purpureus, can be found growing in almost any landscape. They belong to genera Ipomoea, Calystegia, Convolvulus,  Rivea, and Merremia,  further categorized into a number of species. While a few morning glory varieties are considered to be potentially dangerous weeds in certain areas, when kept under control—with their fast-spreading vines kept at bay—they enhance any garden.

The morning glory leaves are heart-shaped, but the flowers are really very pretty and funnel-shaped, ranging in color from white to red, blue, purple, or even yellow. They usually bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon. They bloom May to September, but most morning glories are annual, able to reseed almost in any zone or come back year after year in warmer climates. The Morning Glory flower is a popular option for gifts and floral arrangements because it symbolizes love, vigor and affection.

How to Grow Morning Glory Flowers?

Morning glory flowers are easy to grow. They will do well in hanging baskets or containers that have trellises. They can survive in the lightest shadows, but they will grow best if they have full sun.

These plants are hardy and will do very well in dry and poor soils. They therefore commonly occur on disturbed areas like along roadsides, fence rows, and borders of gardens. While these plants can tolerate poor soil, they will perform optimally in well-draining soil that is moist but not drenched.

These are easily grown from seeds sown directly into the garden after the last frost and when the soil has warmed. Sow morning glory seeds inside four to six weeks before the last expected frost date. Because some morning glories have a hard seed coat, the seeds should either be nicked with a file or soaked overnight in water before sowing.

Space seeds ½ inch deep and 8 to 12 inches apart. When the plants are about 6 inches in height, give the morning glory vines something to climb on. If the plants are placed in hanging baskets, you can let them spill out over the container on all sides.

How to care for morning glory plants?

Caring for morning glory plants is simple. Once established, they require little maintenance. Ideally, keep the soil damp but not soggy, and water the plants once or twice each week during dry spells.

Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering, particularly in hotter areas. To avoid reseeding and manage undesirable spreading, remove dead blossoms as they fade or wipe off dead morning glory vines after the first harmful frost in the autumn.

Pests and Disease problems

Morning glory vines are rarely affected by insects or diseases. However, they are susceptible to a variety of fungal infections, including stem rot, leaf spot, white blister, and thread blight, particularly in damp conditions.

A more serious issue is wildlife, which enjoys munching on morning glory leaves with no adverse effects. Deer, groundhogs and rabbits, can inflict significant damage to lower vines, especially when the plants are young. To safeguard your morning glory, fence off the lower three to five feet of vines. The vines will eventually grow through the fence, concealing it. At that point, animals should be able to browse without harming the entire plant.