Morning glory (Ipomoea) is a common name given to over 1,000 species of flowering plants, widely admired as ornamental vines for their rapid growth and beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers. The search for seeds is complicated because different varieties exist for different purposes. Understanding the specific variety is the first step in successful sourcing, as this dictates purchasing options and safety considerations.
Distinguishing Common and Specialty Varieties
The genus Ipomoea includes many species, but the primary distinction for seed buyers lies in the presence of naturally occurring psychoactive compounds. Commonly sold ornamental varieties, such as Ipomoea purpurea (often sold as ‘Grandpa Ott’s’), are widely available for gardening purposes. These seeds may contain Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA), but often in highly variable or lower concentrations. Specialty varieties, like Ipomoea tricolor (including the popular ‘Heavenly Blue’ and ‘Pearly Gates’ cultivars), are the types historically associated with ethnobotanical use. These seeds consistently contain higher levels of LSA, an ergoline alkaloid structurally similar to Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). The LSA content is believed to originate from a symbiotic fungus, Periglandula ipomoeae. Knowing the specific species is paramount, as the variety dictates the source, expected chemical content, and potential legal considerations.
Legal Status of Morning Glory Seeds
The seeds themselves are generally legal to possess, cultivate, and sell in most jurisdictions because they are widely recognized as ornamental garden items. However, their legal status shifts when the intent is consumption or extraction of the LSA content. In the United States, LSA is a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning the sale, distribution, or possession of the seeds for the explicit purpose of human consumption or drug use can be regulated or illegal. Many commercial seed packets sold in garden centers are coated with denaturing agents to prevent ingestion. These coatings are typically fungicides or seed protectants like N-tri-chlorete. These chemical treatments act as a deterrent and can cause significant toxicity if ingested. Some local laws may also restrict certain Ipomoea species due to their classification as noxious or invasive weeds.
Retail and Online Sourcing Options
The most common way to acquire seeds for general cultivation is through conventional retail channels. Ornamental varieties, including Ipomoea purpurea and Ipomoea tricolor cultivars, are readily found in garden centers, big-box stores, and large online gardening retailers. These sources almost always supply chemically treated seeds. For those seeking untreated seeds of specific LSA-containing varieties, the sourcing shifts to specialty vendors. These include dedicated online seed banks, rare seed vendors, and ethnobotanical suppliers. These smaller outlets often market seeds as “untreated” or “organic,” and some may even specify that they are grown for consumption or collection purposes. Availability and sourcing methods can vary significantly based on the buyer’s location and local import laws.
Safe Cultivation and Toxicity Warnings
When cultivating morning glory, the plants thrive in full sunlight and prefer well-draining soil. They are fast-growing, twining vines that require structural support, such as a trellis or fence, often growing between 7 and 13 feet in a season. Seeds should be started indoors or directly sown outdoors after the last frost, and successful growth will yield a new batch of seeds at the end of the season. It is paramount to understand the significant toxicity warnings associated with these seeds. The seeds themselves contain compounds other than LSA, such as glycoresins, which commonly cause unpleasant physiological side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. All parts of the plant, including the leaves and stems, should be considered toxic and are not intended for consumption.