Climbing Morning Glory Seeds

The Climbing Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea) is one of the most rewarding ornamental climbers you can grow from seed. Its funnel-shaped trumpet flowers, about 3-6 cm wide, unfurl each morning in soft purples, blues and pinks, last a few hours, then give way to a fresh flush the next day. As a vigorous twining vine it quickly clothes trellises, fences and pergolas in heart-shaped foliage, making it a favourite for living screens, shaded archways and cottage-style gardens.

Planting

The seeds have a hard coat, so nick them with a knife or rub with sandpaper, then soak in water for 12-24 hours before sowing. Sow outdoors after the last frost once the soil has warmed to about 18 C, or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier. Place seeds roughly 1.3 cm deep in a full-sun spot with 6 or more hours of direct light. Germination takes about 7-14 days in warm, moist soil; thin or space plants to 20-30 cm apart and give them a trellis or fence to climb, since vines reach 1.8-3 m in a season.

Fertilizing

Feed once a month through the growing season with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Avoid over-feeding, especially with nitrogen, which pushes lush leaves at the expense of flowers.

Care

Grow in average, well-drained soil kept consistently moist but never waterlogged; once established the vine tolerates some drought. It has no serious pests, though spider mites can appear in hot, dry spells, and aphids or whitefly may occur. Flowers run from mid-summer through autumn, about 2.5-4 months after sowing. Note the seeds are toxic if eaten and the plant is harmful to cats, dogs and horses; it can also self-seed freely in warm climates.