How to Grow Morning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea
Morning glory is a fast-growing annual climber producing trumpet-shaped flowers daily from midsummer to frost. Sow indoors in late spring (seeds need warmth to germinate — soak overnight first) and plant out after all frost risk has passed. Provide a trellis, obelisk, or strings for the twining stems. Flowers open each morning and fade by afternoon, but new blooms appear daily. Avoid rich soil which promotes leaves over flowers.
When to Start
Sow indoors 4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 15°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed sparingly — a light balanced liquid feed monthly once established. Too much nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Morning glory is a vigorous annual climber that produces trumpet-shaped flowers from midsummer until frost. Each flower lasts only one day, opening in the morning and fading by afternoon, but plants produce new blooms daily. Seeds benefit from soaking overnight or nicking the hard coat before sowing. Needs warm soil to germinate — do not sow too early.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–30°C
Pet Safety
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 300 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Space 30 cm apart along a trellis, obelisk, or fence. Provide vertical support — morning glory climbs 2-3m by twining and needs something to grip.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Morning Glory?
- Plant Morning Glory 30cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When does Morning Glory flower?
- Morning Glory typically flowers approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Morning Glory frost hardy?
- Morning Glory is classified as Half Hardy.
