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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.
Growing morning glories from seed indoors is a great way to get a head start on these beloved summertime vines. With their nostalgic, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, red and white, morning glories are charming old-fashioned flowers that clamber up trellises, fences and arbors. By starting the seeds inside, you can transplant vigorous young vines outside right after your last spring frost for faster flowering.
When and How to Plant Morning Glory Seeds Indoors
The key to success with indoor morning glory propagation is timing. You’ll want to start the seeds 4-6 weeks before your expected last frost date. This gives the seedlings enough time to develop hardy stems, leaves and roots that can support rapid spring growth when moved outside.
To determine your ideal sowing timeframe, check your local average final frost date and count backwards 6 weeks. For most zones, aim to start seeds in March or April. Make sure to use fresh seeds each year for optimal germination.
When planting, fill containers like cell packs or small individual pots with quality seed starting mix. Moisten the soil, then plant 1-2 morning glory seeds per cell about 1/2 inch deep. Consider nicking or filing the hard seed coats to encourage water uptake and germination.
Place your planted seeds in a warm spot with temperatures around 70-80°F. You can invest in a seedling heat mat for consistent bottom warmth. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated while seeds germinate. Expect sprouts in 5-14 days.
Providing Proper Care for Seedlings
Once your morning glory seeds sprout, the tiny seedlings need attentive care:
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Light: Give 14-16 hours under grow lights or in a south window. Turn frequently for even growth.
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Temperature Maintain warm temps around 70-80°F Reduce heat once germinated
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Air circulation Run fans periodically to strengthen stems and prevent fungal issues
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Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Let pots partially dry out between waterings.
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Fertilizer: Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer once a week after 2-4 weeks.
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Transplanting: Harden off for 7-10 days before transplanting outside after all danger of frost has passed.
Tips for Growing Strong, Vibrant Morning Glory Seedlings
Follow these tips to get sturdy, robust morning glory seedlings from your indoor start:
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Start more seeds than needed since germination averages 50-60%. Sow 2-3 per pot and thin later.
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Use bottom heat, like a heat mat, to maintain 70-80°F for best germination rates.
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Maximize light exposure by rotating pots so seedlings grow straight, not leggy.
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Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings to prevent damping off disease.
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Harden off seedlings before transplanting by slowly exposing them to outdoor conditions.
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Pinch back tips once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves to encourage bushy growth.
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Transplant into warm soil enriched with compost on a calm, cloudy day. Space 12-18 inches apart.
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Provide vertical supports like trellises for the vines to climb up when moved outside.
Troubleshooting Common Morning Glory Seedling Problems
Here are some potential issues and solutions if your morning glory seedlings are struggling:
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Leggy seedlings: Increase light exposure by turning more frequently under grow lights.
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Yellowing leaves: Boost diluted fertilizer to provide more nitrogen.
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Leaf spots or wilting: Improve air flow and circulation around seedlings.
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Failure to thrive: Raise temperatures and provide bottom heat for warmth.
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Damping off: Cut back on watering frequency and allow more drying time between waterings.
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Poor germination rates: Always sow fresh seed each year and nick hard seed coats before planting.
Enjoy Growing Morning Glories from Seed
By starting morning glory seeds indoors, you can get a head start on these nostalgic flowering vines for summer. Just be sure to provide consistent warmth, light, moisture and care. Then transplant the seedlings outside after hardening off for a vibrant display of charming blooms on climbing trellised vines.
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.
Easiest Way to Grow Seeds | How to Germinate Morning Glory Seeds | How to Grow Seeds
FAQ
Can morning glory seeds be started indoors?
Yes, you can grow Morning Glory indoors, but you will have to provide full sun and warm temperatures for adequate growth. You could place your plants under a light if full sun is not an option. Also, be careful with temperature control. You won’t want to leave them in a cool room.
Can morning glories grow in pots?
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Gardener’s Pathhttps://gardenerspath.comHow to Grow Morning Glory Vines in Containers – Gardener’s PathApr 15, 2023 — Growing Indoors If you are keeping your morning glories indoors, remember that these vines need quite a bit of sun, at least six to eight hours a da…
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Backyard Bosshttps://www.backyardboss.net8 Tips For Growing Morning Glory in Pots – Backyard BossMay 5, 2023 — Choose a Perfect Pot … Morning glories prefer a pot or container that is 10 to 12 inches in diameter and about 6 inches deep. Look for a pot that h…
How long does it take morning glory to grow from seed?
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Germination:Morning glory seeds can germinate relatively quickly, often within 1 to 2 weeks, especially when provided with a warm, moist environment (60-85°F).
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Seedling Growth:Once germinated, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing leaves and climbing quickly.
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Bloom Time:The time from seed to bloom can vary, but it usually takes around 2.5 to 3.5 months.
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Direct Seeding:You can sow seeds directly into the ground once the danger of frost has passed and the ground temperature is around 65°F.
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Indoor Starting:For earlier blooms, you can start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, says Gardening Know How.
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Support:Morning glories are vining plants and will need support, such as a trellis, fence, or other structure, to climb.
How do you grow morning glories indoors?
Soak the seeds overnight in a bowl of warm tap water. Nicking the seed coat and soaking the seeds will increase your odds of successfully germinating morning glory seeds. Fill 2-inch diameter seedling pots with potting soil to prepare for growing morning glories indoors. Place the pots on a drip tray.
When can I plant morning glory seeds indoors?
You can start seeds indoors about four to six weeks before your last frost date, but it’s not necessary—morning glory does very well when direct-sown as well. If you prefer to direct sow, wait until the soil can be worked and has warmed to at least 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does morning glory take to germinate?
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.
How do you plant Morning Glory?
Clear and prepare the ground thoroughly and, after nicking and soaking the seeds, plant them six inches apart and cover them with a quarter-inch of soil. Each morning glory will have giant, uniquely marked flowers that often measure three inches across.
How do I start morning glory seeds?
Selecting the appropriate soil and pots is a critical step in learning how to start morning glory seeds successfully. Morning glories thrive in well-draining soil, which is essential to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth. A high-quality, soilless potting mix is generally recommended, as it provides the necessary aeration and drainage.
Do morning glories grow from seed?
The tender annuals can be sensitive to cold temperatures and late frosts, so when and how you grow morning glory from seed can vary depending on your location. If you are after a climbing plant that grows quickly and can cover a fence, or a wall, or look stunning sprawling up a trellis, then morning glories may tick all your boxes.