CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Annuals: Morning Glory

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Ipomoea

     Native to the tropics, more than 200 species of morning glories come from the Americas alone. Their requirements are few, and their daily crop of freshly opened blue, purple, pink, scarlet, white, or multicolored single or double trumpet-shaped flowers--some of which may be as much as 8 inches across--makes them one of the most widely grown of all annual vines. Flowers are normally open only from dawn to mid-morning, but the newer varieties tend to hold their flowers open most of the day, especially in cloudy weather. The vine's abundant leaves are heart-shaped, 4 to 5 inches long.
     Morning glory vines grow very fast, reaching 10 feet or more two months after seeds sprout, and they will climb on just about any support. Profusely flowering against a background of pale green foliage, they quickly form lovely hedges or screens. The vines are sometimes used as a temporary ground cover, and they may also be allowed to cascade from a hanging basket or raised container. They should be planted in full sun, but the soil should not be too fertile or moist; otherwise the vines tend to produce a profusion of leaves instead of flowers.
     After all danger of frost is past, sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep, 12 to 18 inches apart, and provide a support of twine, wire, or a fence or trellis for the vine to climb on. Or start seeds indoors in individual 3-inch peat pots four to six weeks before the last frost is due and set the pots into the garden when you can he sure seedlings will not be nipped by a late frost. Only pot-grown seedlings are likely to survive transplanting, and they must be transplanted pots and all--the plants gernerally die if their roots are pulled free of soil. Before you plant each seed, nick it with a file to help it absorb water and germinate more quickly. Alternatively, the seeds may be soaked over night in tepid water to soften their coats.

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Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.