Site Selection: Choose a planting area that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day. Morning glories thrive when given ample sunlight. Select a site with moist, well-draining soil.
Amend the soil by mixing in 2-3 inches of compost or well-aged manure prior to planting.
Planting: Sow morning glory seeds 1/2 inch deep either directly in the garden after the last frost date for your area or you can start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Soaking seeds in warm water overnight before planting will soften the hard outer shell and improve germination rates. Sprouts will emerge in 5-21 days.
Care & Growth: Once seedlings appear, thin to 4-6 inches apart. Provide a trellis, fence, or other climbing support structure for the vines to grow upwards. Morning glories can reach heights of 10-15 feet when given adequate support.
Water plants regularly about 1 inch per week, and mulch around the base to retain moisture while plants establish. Fertilize with an organic bloom booster or low nitrogen fertilizer every 4-5 weeks during the active growing season.
Bloom Period: Flowers start blooming in late summer and continue into fall until first frost. The blooms open in the morning and come in a vibrant range of colors like purple, blue, pink, red, and white. Expect prolific flowering during peak season.
Self-Seeding: Morning glories readily self-seed, so you’ll likely see new seedlings emerge near the original vines each spring. Gently thin volunteer seedlings to 4-6 inches apart if desired.