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Morning glories are annual vining flowers that bloom, as the name suggests, early in the day. These old-fashioned favorites love to climb. Their trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in vibrant shades of purple, blue, red, pink, and white which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Growing morning glories from seed is fairly easy if you know the trick to ensure quick germination.
With its bright pinkish-purple blooms and lush green foliage beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) is a gorgeous flowering vine that thrives in coastal environments. Growing beach morning glory in your own garden starts with proper seed storage followed by successful sowing and germination.
Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the ins and outs of saving planting and sprouting beach morning glory seeds. With the right techniques, you’ll have vibrant vines flowering in no time!
Harvesting and Storing Beach Morning Glory Seeds
Before you can sow them you’ll need to collect and save ripe beach morning glory seeds from existing plants
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Look for seed pods that are dry and split open when lightly squeezed. Seeds should be plump and black or dark brown.
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Carefully collect seeds from pods and lay out on paper towels to finish drying for 2-3 days. Discard any underdeveloped seeds.
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Place thoroughly dried seeds in breathable containers like paper envelopes or mesh bags. Avoid airtight plastic.
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Label containers with the plant name and harvest date. Store in a cool, dry spot around 40°F.
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Properly stored beach morning glory seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Discard any more than 3 years old.
Following harvesting and drying best practices preserves seed viability for future planting. Now let’s look at how to sprout them successfully.
When and How to Sow Beach Morning Glory Seeds
Beach morning glory thrives in warm conditions, making spring the ideal sowing time. Follow these tips for success:
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Wait until after the last spring frost to sow seeds directly outdoors. Or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your frost-free date.
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Prepare soil with plenty of added organic material for drainage. Beach morning glories like sandy, fast-draining conditions.
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Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart outdoors or 1 seed per cell indoors. Gently firm soil over seeds.
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Maintain consistent moisture – water gently to prevent washing away seeds. Never let soil dry out.
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Move sprouted seedlings outdoors after hardening off for 7-10 days to acclimate them. Plant after danger of frost has passed.
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Expect sprouts to emerge within 14-21 days in a warm spot around 70°F to 80°F.
Following the ideal spring planting time and proper sowing techniques gives your beach morning glory seeds the best start. Now it’s time to focus on nurturing the seedlings.
Caring for Beach Morning Glory Seedlings and Germination Tips
Once sprouted, beach morning glory seedlings need attentive care for strong establishment and growth:
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Thin seedlings to at least 8 inches apart to prevent overcrowding and competition.
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Install trellises for seedlings to climb once they reach 4-6 inches tall. These fast-growing vines need support.
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Water seedlings regularly keeping soil consistently moist but not soaked. Let dry slightly between waterings.
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Ensure sprouts receive full sun – at least 6 hours of direct light per day. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to nourish developing seedlings.
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Watch for true leaves to emerge after seed leaves. This marks successful germination of sprouts.
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Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions by hardening off for 7-10 days before transplanting outside permanently.
With attentive watering, ample sun, and proper fertilization, your beach morning glory seedlings will flourish. Follow these tips for success from seed to sprout and enjoy waves of elegantly flowering vines.
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Morning Glory Seed Propagation
When starting morning glories from seed, it can take two and a half to three and a half months before they begin blooming. In northern climates where cold winters and shorter growing seasons are the norms, its best to start morning glories from seed indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date.
When germinating seeds of morning glory, use a file to nick the hard coating of the seeds. Soak them in water overnight. Plant the seeds ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep in fertile soil. This trick helps the seeds take up water and germinate quickly.
Germination time for morning glories averages four to seven days at a temperature of 65 to 85 degrees F. (18-29 C.). Keep the soil moist, but not soggy while germinating. Seeds of morning glory are toxic. Be sure to keep seed packets, seeds that are soaking, and those planted in trays away from children and pets.
Morning glories can also be directly seeded in the ground once the danger of frost has passed, and the ground temperature reaches 65 degrees F. (18 C.). Choose a location that receives full sun, good drainage, and is near a vertical surface for the vines to climb. They do well near fences, railings, trellises, archways, and pergolas.
When planting seeds outside, nick and soak the seeds. Water thoroughly. Once sprouted, thin the seedlings. Space morning glories 6 inches (15 cm.) apart in all directions. Keep the flowerbed watered and weeded until the young plants are established.
Working compost or aged animal manure into the ground before planting morning glory seeds or transplanting seedlings provides nutrients and helps retain soil moisture. A fertilizer designed for flowers can be applied according to the manufacturers guidelines. Avoid overfertilizing as this can cause leafy vines with few flowers. Mulching will also retain moisture and control weeds.
How to Grow Morning Glories
FAQ
What’s the best way to germinate morning glory seeds?
What month do you plant morning glory seeds?
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Plant name
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Zone
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Start seeds outdoors (spring/fall)
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Morning Glories
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4b
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On/around May 15 (after last frost)
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Morning Glories
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5a
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On/around April 15 (after last frost)
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Morning Glories
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5b
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On/around April 15 (after last frost)
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Morning Glories
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6a
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On/around April 15 (after last frost)
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Do morning glories do better in pots or in the ground?