Morning glories, especially Ipomoea tricolor, glory seeds are loved by many gardeners for their bright and colorful flowers. These annuals grow fast, with twisting vines and heart-shaped leaves, making them great for gardens, patios, and balconies. You can find them in many colors, like the famous “Heavenly Blue,” deep purples, and reds. They bloom from early summer to mid-autumn, but to enjoy them fully, you need to know how to plant and care for them.
What Makes Morning Glory Special?
Morning glories are special because they can climb high, reaching up to 1.5 to 2 meters or more with some support. Their flowers bloom in the morning but only last a few hours, fading by afternoon. This short bloom time makes each flower feel unique and beautiful.
When to Plant
Plant morning glory seeds in early spring for the best results.
Preparing the Seeds
Soak the seeds in water for a few hours before planting. This softens their hard outer shell, helping them sprout faster. After soaking, you can plant them indoors in a warm, sunny spot or in a heated greenhouse. Keep the temperature warm, as cold can slow them down.
Planting the Seeds
- Fill small pots or seed trays with a good, peat-free potting mix.
- Sow the seeds about 1-2 centimeters deep and cover them lightly with soil.
- Water gently to keep the soil moist.
- Place the trays in a warm area until they germinate, usually in 7-14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, get them ready for outdoor planting. Gradually expose them to the outdoors over a week or two so glory seeds can adjust. This step helps them survive when you move them outside.
Planting in Pots
If you’re using pots, choose one that’s at least 30-40 cm wide and deep. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the pot by filling it halfway with compost.
- Transplant by carefully taking each seedling out of its pot, keeping the roots intact, and placing them in the larger pot. Fill gaps with compost and press it down gently.
- Water the plants to settle the compost around the roots, adding more if needed.
Providing Support
Morning glory seeds need something to climb on, like a trellis or fence. Make sure the support is sturdy, and gently guide the stems to wrap around it as they grow.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but don’t overdo it. Check the moisture regularly, especially when it’s hot.
- Feeding: Once flowers appear, feed your morning glories every 10-14 days with a liquid fertilizer high in potash. This helps them bloom brightly and encourages more flowers.
- Deadheading: Remove any faded flowers to keep more blooms coming.
Common Problems
- Yellowing Leaves: If young leaves turn yellow or get white spots, they might be too cold. Move them to a warmer spot, away from drafts.
- Pests: Watch for aphids on young leaves. If you see any, squish small groups by hand to control them. Healthy plants attract fewer pests.
Conclusion
Growing morning glory seeds is fun and adds bright colors to your garden or home. With the right care, these lovely plants will thrive and bloom beautifully from summer to autumn. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying your own morning glories.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ’s):-
1. Do morning glory seeds need to be soaked before planting?
Yes, soaking them helps them sprout faster.
2. Can you plant morning glory seeds directly in the ground?
Yes, but wait until the soil is warm and frost is gone.
3. Where’s the best place to plant them?
In a sunny area with good, well-draining soil.
4. What month should you plant?
Early spring is best.
5. How to plant them in the ground?
- Choose a sunny spot.
- Prepare the soil by loosening it.
- Sow seeds about 1-2 cm deep.
- Water gently to keep it moist.
6. How to plant in water?
- Soak seeds to soften the shells.
- Place soaked seeds in water, covering them partially.
- Wait for them to sprout before planting in soil.
7. Do they come back every year?
They usually don’t, but they can self-seed and show up again.
8. Morning glory trellis:
They need something to climb on to grow tall and strong.
9. Pictures of morning glories in pots:
Search online to see how beautiful they can look!
10. Morning glory seeds for sale:
You can find them at garden centers or online, like “Heavenly Blue” or other colors!
