Growing ‘Milky Way’ morning glory adds vibrant, climbing beauty to your garden. These annual vines are a favored choice for their abundant blooms and rapid growth.
What is ‘Milky Way’ Morning Glory?
‘Milky Way’ morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor) is a cultivar known for its unique floral patterns. Its trumpet-shaped flowers are primarily white, with prominent blue or purple streaks radiating from the center, creating a star-like effect. These blossoms typically measure 3 to 4 inches wide and open each morning.
This vining plant exhibits a vigorous climbing habit, with stems that can reach up to 15 feet. Its heart-shaped leaves provide a green backdrop for the striking flowers. ‘Milky Way’ morning glory blooms profusely throughout the summer and into the fall, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
How to Plant ‘Milky Way’ Morning Glory
Choosing a Location and Soil
‘Milky Way’ morning glory thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sun exposure encourages abundant flowering.
The soil should be well-draining. While they adapt to average to sandy soils, they prefer a neutral pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. Soil not overly rich in organic matter is best, as fertile conditions can lead to more foliage and fewer flowers.
Preparing Seeds and Planting
‘Milky Way’ morning glory seeds have a hard outer shell that benefits from pre-treatment for germination. Scarification, which involves lightly nicking the seed coat or rubbing it with sandpaper, helps water penetrate the seed. After scarification, soak seeds in warm water overnight (12 to 24 hours) to promote germination. Seeds should appear plump after soaking, indicating they are ready for planting.
Direct sowing outdoors is recommended after the last spring frost, once the soil temperature reaches at least 64-65°F (18°C). If starting indoors, sow seeds four to six weeks before the last frost date, placing them about 1/2 inch deep in peat pots to minimize root disturbance. Space seeds or seedlings 6 to 12 inches apart. Morning glories have delicate roots, so careful handling is advised when transplanting.
Watering After Planting
After sowing, keep the soil consistently moist to encourage germination. Water thoroughly immediately after planting. Maintain soil moisture until seedlings emerge, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Allowing the soil to dry out completely during this initial phase can hinder germination.
Caring for ‘Milky Way’ Morning Glory
Ongoing Watering
Once established, ‘Milky Way’ morning glories require consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Watering in the morning is beneficial, allowing plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. While they show some drought tolerance, regular moisture promotes steady growth and abundant blooms.
Fertilizing
‘Milky Way’ morning glories do not require heavy fertilization, especially if planted in moderately fertile soil. Excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flower production. If plants lack vigor or have poor foliage quality, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer or one high in phosphorus once a month during the growing season.
Providing Support
‘Milky Way’ morning glories require a sturdy support structure to climb. Trellises, fences, arbors, or strings and netting provide ideal surfaces for their twining stems. Since these vines can grow up to 15 feet tall, the support should be at least 6 to 8 feet high. Gently guide young vines onto the support as they begin to grow, ensuring ample space to twine.
Pest and Disease Watch
‘Milky Way’ morning glories are robust, but can encounter pests or diseases. Common pests include aphids and spider mites, which can be dislodged with a strong stream of water. Powdery mildew may appear as a white powdery growth on leaves, particularly in humid conditions. Ensuring good air circulation around plants can help prevent mildew. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soil.
Common Problems and Solutions
Lack of blooms is often due to too much nitrogen in the soil. High nitrogen levels promote leaf growth over flower development, so adjusting fertilization to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus formula can help. Insufficient sunlight (less than six hours daily) can also inhibit flowering.
Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or underwatering. Check soil moisture before watering and allow the top layer to dry out between waterings. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause yellowing, in which case a balanced fertilizer may be beneficial.
For pest infestations (aphids or spider mites), a direct spray of water can dislodge them. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil are also effective. If powdery mildew appears, improving air circulation through proper spacing can help. Removing affected leaves can also reduce the spread of the fungus.