Morning glory vines bring old-fashioned charm and a quaint cottage feeling to any garden. However, if you don’t have time to take care of an aggressively seeding plant, you might want to think twice about introducing them into your garden, as they can get out of hand in a hurry. If you have a space where they can run wild over a fence, pergola or arbor, they will make quick cover of it. Their funnel or tubular-shaped flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s more information on growing morning glories.
Annual in areas that get below 45 F, but can still reseed and come back year after year on their own; perennial in warmer, more tropical climates.
With its delicate purple blooms and lush green foliage, beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) makes a gorgeous addition to coastal gardens By planting beach morning glory seeds at the right time and following proper care tips, you can grow this hardy vine from scratch and enjoy stunning flowers all season long.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about planting beach morning glory seeds successfully, from ideal timing to soil prep, planting depth, watering needs, and more. With the right approach, you’ll have vibrant beach morning glory vines in no time!
When to Plant Beach Morning Glory Seeds
Beach morning glory thrives in warm weather, so seeds should be sown in late spring after the last frost date in your region. This gives seedlings time to germinate and become established before summer heat hits.
In zones 9-11 where beach morning glory grows best aim to plant seeds in April or May. In cooler zones wait until June or even July to sow seeds so soil temperatures are sufficiently warm.
Planting in summer allows 6-8 months for vines to develop before winter dormancy. Avoid planting seeds in fall as colder temps will prevent germination.
Preparing the Planting Area
Beach morning glories prefer sandy, fast-draining soil similar to their natural coastal habitat. When preparing a planting area, choose a site that drains well. Amend clay-heavy garden soil with compost or sand to improve drainage.
The ideal pH range is slightly acidic, between 6.0-7.0. Test soil and adjust as needed with elemental sulfur to lower pH or lime to raise it.
Ensure the planting site receives full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning glories need lots of light to thrive.
Remove any weeds that could compete with seedlings. Rake the soil smooth and remove rocks or debris. Your seeds will sprout best in loose, nutrient-rich soil.
How Deep to Plant Morning Glory Seeds
Beach morning glory seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/2 inch in the prepared soil. Planting too deep can prevent successful germination. Follow these tips when sowing seeds:
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Use your finger or a pencil to poke holes 1/2 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart.
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Drop 1-2 seeds in each hole and gently cover with soil.
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Space holes further apart if planting multiple seeds since not all may germinate.
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Clearly label rows with plant name and date planted to keep track.
Caring for Seeds and Seedlings
Proper watering, temperature, and light are crucial for healthy beach morning glory germination and growth after planting seeds:
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Keep soil moist but not soaked until seeds sprout. Water gently to avoid washing away seeds.
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Morning glory seeds germinate best at temperatures between 70-80°F. Consider using a heating mat.
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Once sprouted, seedlings need at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Move to a sunny spot if needed.
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Thin overcrowded seedlings to 12 inches apart to prevent competition.
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Install trellises or supports once vines reach 6 inches for them to climb.
Ongoing Care of Beach Morning Glory Vines
Once your beach morning glory vines become established after planting seeds, follow these care tips:
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Water 1 inch per week. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season.
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Prune off spent blooms and unhealthy vines to encourage new growth.
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In zones 9-11, vines remain evergreen. In cooler climates, cut back in fall.
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Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Stake or trellis vines for support and to manage growth.
With proper planting techniques and attentive care, your beach morning glory seeds will flourish into vibrant, flowering vines that enhance your landscape with natural coastal beauty. Give them what they need, and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous blooms and lush greenery.
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Are morning glory vines invasive?
Morning glories are often mistaken for their aggressive and invasive cousin, field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), also called creeping Jenny, but they are two different species. Morning glories are from the family Ipomoea and, yes, can also be hard to handle and stubborn. They grow quite rapidly and will aggressively self-seed if not prevented by cutting back and removing seed pods, and some varieties have been declared invasive in certain areas. Field bindweed, on the other hand, sends out deep roots that make it nearly impossible to get rid of. These deep roots also allow it to overwinter in colder climates to return again and again. Field bindweed blooms in white or pink flowers and usually has smaller leaves than morning glory.
Morning glories are easily grown from seed and can be started indoors four to six weeks before the last spring frost. If sown directly into the garden, plant after any threat of frost and once the ground has warmed up to 64 F.
Pick a site that gets plenty of sun. They will tolerate some very light shade, but bloom their best in full sun. Because of their rapid growth, choose a location that will allow for its mature size. Morning glories will readily self-seed if allowed, so make sure they are in an area that is accessible for cutting back spent blooms before they go to seed or an area where self-seeding is acceptable. Be considerate of neighboring yards and where the seeds might fall.
If planting from seed, file seeds to break the outer shell and soak for 24 hours prior to planting to help with germination. Cover lightly with one-quarter to one-half inch of soil and water thoroughly. When transplanting, be careful of the roots, as they don’t like being disturbed. Water deeply for several days after transplanting to help the roots get established in their new home. Helpful hint: If starting from seed, use peat or other disintegrating pots that can be planted directly in the soil to lessen the stress on the root system.
Morning glories grow quite rapidly once established, up to 12 feet or more in one season.
No pruning is required; but to prevent unwanted self-seeding, old flowers should be thoroughly removed before they form seedpods.
Morning glories prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist until the plant is well established. Adult plants aren’t as picky about their soil and can tolerate poor, dry conditions.
Although usually not necessary, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season. Be careful not to fertilize too much as this can produce more foliage than flowers.
Water freely during growing season and once or twice a week during dry periods; but again, established morning glory plants can tolerate drier conditions. Cut back watering in winter.
Softwood cuttings of perennial species can be rooted in spring or summer. Harvest mature seeds in the fall.
Morning glory vines are sturdy and not generally affected by disease or pests, but can occasionally be susceptible to white blister, rust, fungal leaf spot, stem rot, and wilt. They can also be bothered by aphids, leaf miners, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Deer will eat morning glory leaves and vines, although the seeds are poisonous.
All morning glories should be grown with care and you should check for locally invasive species. Here are a few of the more widely acceptable types: Swipe to view slides
Photo by: alybaba / Shutterstock.
Common morning glory Ipomoea purpurea
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 6 to 10 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: June to October; year-round in tropics
Color: Purple flower with white throat
Trumpet-shaped purple flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon, which is what gives morning glories their common name. This fast grower grows up to 10 feet in one season. See more on the invasiveness of this species.
Photo by: ChViroj / Shutterstock.
Moonflower Ipomoea alba
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 10-12 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 10 to 15 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: July to October; year-round in tropics
Color: White flower
This tropical native is noted for its fragrant nighttime blooms and broad, deep green leaves. Flowers open in the evening and close before noon the following day. (Not to be confused with daturas, also commonly called moonflower.) See more on the invasiveness of this species.
Photo by: Hemerocallis / Shutterstock.
‘Heavenly Blue’ Ipomoea tricolor
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: To 12 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropics
Color: Blue-purple flower with white throat, yellow center
Fast growing, twining climber with a classic morning glory look. Prohibited in Arizona and Arkansas.
Photo by: I_Fleurs / Shutterstock.
Flying Saucers’ Ipomoea tricolor
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: To 12 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropics
Color: Silvery white, streaked with blue
One of the more popular varieties due to its variegated flower, it produces large saucer-shaped blooms.
Photo by: Jjaikla / Shutterstock.
Beach morning glory, railroad vine, bayhops Ipomoea pes-caprae
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11
Height/Spread: Ground cover 16 inches high and can spread over 30 feet
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Late summer
Color: Pink petals with a darker center
Tolerant of sandy soil, salty air and water. Found along southern beaches from Texas to Florida and Georgia. Fast growing ground cover with evergreen leaves.
Photo by: Lucia Barabino / Pixabay.com.
Mile-a-minute vine, Messina creeper, Cairo morning glory Ipomoea cairica
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11
Height/Spread: 8 to 10 feet
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropical climates
Color: Purple
Noted as invasive in some areas, check locally before planting.
Photo by: Carol Cloud Bailey / Millette Photomedia.
Ground morning glory Convolvulus sabatius
Zones: Perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 20 F
Height/Spread: Groundcover 1 foot tall and spreads 3 feet in diameter
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Spring through fall, year-round in mild winter regions
Color: Lavender-blue
Forms a mat of green leaves with funnel-shaped flowers.
Photo by: Sari ONeal / Shutterstock.
Cardinal climber Ipomoea xmultifida (I. sloteri)
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 6 to 12 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Color: Bright red
A favorite of hummingbirds, with bright red tubular flowers and deeply cut foliage.
- Morning glory vines will quickly cover trellises, pergolas, arches and fences.
- Use them to create a colorful wall or to cover an unsightly area.
- Fashion a living fence, porch or deck railing.
- Plant vines in containers with a supporting trellis.
- Drape out of a hanging basket; they will also twine up the hangers.
- Grow responsibly in areas where reseeding is acceptable.
- Some varieties are considered invasive in certain areas, check locally before planting.
Blue My Mind® dwarf morning glory. Photo: Proven Winners.
Planting DesignDiscover the right plants for your garden.
Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue’. Photo by: Hemerocallis / Shutterstock.
Morning glory vines bring old-fashioned charm and a quaint cottage feeling to any garden. However, if you don’t have time to take care of an aggressively seeding plant, you might want to think twice about introducing them into your garden, as they can get out of hand in a hurry. If you have a space where they can run wild over a fence, pergola or arbor, they will make quick cover of it. Their funnel or tubular-shaped flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s more information on growing morning glories.
Annual in areas that get below 45 F, but can still reseed and come back year after year on their own; perennial in warmer, more tropical climates.
6 to 12 feet, or more depending on variety.
Varieties available in purple, blue, red, white, pink and bi-colored.
Morning glory seeds are highly toxic if ingested.
Beach morning glory from seed
FAQ
How do you plant morning glory seeds?
Is it to late to plant morning glory seeds?
How to plant beach morning glory?
Can you plant morning glory seeds without soaking?
How do beach morning glories grow?
Beach morning glories in gardens can perform as groundcovers. They are often seen tumbling in and over seawalls or along beach paths. Propagation is through seed or cuttings. Seeds do not need a dormant period but the seed coat must be scarified before germination, which occurs in every season but winter.
How do you grow Morning Glory?
You can find established plants and plant them right away, but morning glory is such a vigorous grower that sowing some seeds is often enough. Directly sow the seeds to the desired growing area for best results because these seedlings don’t respond well to transplanting, in my experience.
Do morning glories grow from seed?
Morning glory, Ipomoea tricolor, is a frost tender annual climber that bears beautiful, exotic-looking, colourful flowers on fast-growing twining stems clothed with heart-shaped green leaves. Morning glories usually have to be grown from seed as ready-grown plants are rarely available.
How far apart do you plant morning glories?
Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spaced a few inches apart. If you are planting a row of morning glories, six-inch spacing will be fine. If you are planting a trellis, you don’t need to be too particular about spacing. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until they sprout.