Morning Glory (Ipomoea) is a popular, fast-growing vining annual known for producing trumpet-shaped flowers that open with the morning sun. These vigorous climbers quickly cover fences and trellises, offering color throughout the summer season. While morning glories are relatively easy to grow from seed, the timing of planting is a significant factor in ensuring successful germination and a robust display of blooms. Understanding the seed’s specific needs is the first step.
Preparing Morning Glory Seeds for Planting
Morning glory seeds possess a tough, hard outer coating that prevents premature germination and inhibits sprouting in a garden setting. This coat must be compromised before planting to allow moisture to penetrate the seed embryo. This preparatory step is known as scarification, which involves lightly breaking the seed’s surface.
Gardeners can achieve scarification by gently nicking the seed coat with a small knife or rubbing the seeds between two pieces of coarse sandpaper until the inner, lighter-colored layer is visible. Immediately following scarification, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 12 to 24 hours. This combined action hydrates the seed, significantly shortening the time required for germination from weeks to just a few days.
Determining the Best Outdoor Sowing Time
Morning glories are tender annuals highly sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot withstand frost. Direct outdoor sowing must be delayed until all danger of frost has passed for the growing region. The optimal planting time is determined by the soil temperature, which should consistently be above 60°F (15°C) for successful germination.
Many sources recommend a target soil temperature of at least 64°F (18°C) to 65°F (18°C) for ideal results. Gardeners can approximate this period by referencing their region’s average last expected frost date, typically sowing one to two weeks after that date. Planting when the soil is warm ensures the seeds do not sit dormant, which can lead to rotting or simply delayed sprouting.
Starting Seeds Early Indoors
Gardeners in northern regions with shorter growing seasons often start morning glory seeds indoors to achieve earlier blooms. Seeds should be sown approximately four to six weeks before the last anticipated spring frost date. This timing provides the seedlings a head start without allowing them to become root-bound before transplanting.
Because morning glories are sensitive to root disturbance, it is recommended to use biodegradable containers such as peat or coir pots for indoor starting. Planting directly into these containers minimizes the risk of transplant shock when moving young plants outside. Once seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, they can be hardened off and moved to their permanent outdoor location.
Execution of Sowing and Initial Care
Sowing prepared seeds requires a shallow depth, whether planting indoors or directly into the garden soil. Seeds should be covered lightly with only about 1/4 inch of soil. When planting multiple seeds outdoors, space them approximately 6 to 12 inches apart to accommodate their vigorous growth habit.
Morning glory plants thrive in a location that receives full sun, ideally receiving six to eight hours of direct light each day. After sowing, thoroughly water the planting area and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually occurs within one to two weeks. Provide a trellis, fence, or other support structure at the time of planting, as the rapidly growing vines require immediate support.