Morning glories are popular, fast-growing vining plants cherished for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that unfurl with the morning sun. Their ease of propagation makes them a rewarding choice for gardeners looking to expand their plant collection, save seeds for future seasons, or share with others. These plants readily produce abundant seeds and can also be propagated from stem cuttings, offering flexibility in how new plants are started.
When to Propagate Morning Glories
The optimal timing for propagating morning glories depends on the method chosen. For starting seeds, late spring is generally ideal, particularly after the last frost has passed and soil temperatures warm. If starting seeds indoors, do so four to six weeks before the last frost date in your region. This establishes seedlings before outdoor transplant. When propagating from cuttings, the active growing season, from late spring through summer, is the most effective period, as the plant produces new growth vigorously.
Propagating Morning Glories from Seed
Seed Preparation
Morning glory seeds often have a hard outer coating that can hinder water absorption, delaying or preventing germination. To improve germination rates, it is helpful to scarify the seeds before planting. Gently nick the seed coat with a small file or sandpaper until a small, lighter spot is visible, avoiding damage to the embryo. After scarification, soaking the seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours softens the seed coat, encouraging quicker sprouting.
Sowing Seeds
Once prepared, morning glory seeds can be sown in containers with a well-draining potting mix. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, ensuring they are adequately covered with soil. If sowing multiple seeds, space them approximately 2 to 3 inches apart to allow for initial growth without overcrowding. After planting, gently water the soil to settle it around the seeds, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging. For direct outdoor sowing, choose a sunny location and plant prepared seeds about 6 inches apart, thinning if necessary.
Initial Seedling Care
After sowing, provide conditions conducive to germination and healthy seedling development. A consistent temperature between 70 and 75°F (21-24°C) is ideal for germination, occurring within 5 to 7 days. Once seedlings emerge, they require bright, indirect light to prevent them from becoming leggy. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal issues. Before transplanting outdoor, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week or two, a process known as hardening off, to minimize transplant shock.
Propagating Morning Glories from Cuttings
Taking Cuttings
Propagating morning glories from cuttings involves selecting healthy, non-flowering stems from the parent plant. Choose stems about 4 to 6 inches long with at least two to three leaf nodes. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as this is where root development is most likely to occur. Carefully remove any leaves from the lower 2 inches of the stem to prevent rotting once placed in water or a rooting medium.
Rooting Cuttings
Prepared morning glory cuttings can be rooted in either water or a moist rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. For water rooting, place the cut end of the stem in a container of clean water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. For rooting in a medium, insert the cut end into the moist substrate. Provide a warm environment with indirect light and consider covering the cuttings with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Roots typically begin to form within two to four weeks.
Transplanting Cuttings
When rooted cuttings have developed a robust root system (usually indicated by roots at least an inch or two long), they are ready for transplanting. Carefully remove the rooted cutting from its rooting environment, minimizing disturbance to the delicate new roots. Plant the rooted cutting into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, burying the root ball completely. Water thoroughly after transplanting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for Young Morning Glory Plants
Once newly propagated morning glory plants are established, they require specific care to thrive. These plants perform optimally in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. Consistent watering is also important, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. As vining plants, young morning glories benefit significantly from a support structure, such as a trellis, fence, or string, to encourage their upward growth.
Common Propagation Challenges
Gardeners may encounter common challenges when propagating morning glories. Low germination rates can often be resolved by ensuring proper seed preparation through scarification and soaking. Another concern, particularly with seedlings, is damping off, a fungal disease that causes young plants to collapse at the soil line. This is typically caused by excessive moisture and poor air circulation, so maintaining well-draining soil and adequate ventilation can prevent it. Cuttings may also fail to root if conditions are not optimal, such as insufficient warmth, humidity, or excessive light.