Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Morning glories require warm soil (60°F minimum) and full sun to perform. They prefer poor to average, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8 — fertile soil produces excessive vine growth and fewer flowers. Nick the hard seed coat with a file or soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to break dormancy. Direct sow 1/2 inch deep after last frost, 6 inches apart, thinning to 12 inches. Provide a sturdy trellis, fence, or string immediately — vines can reach 10–15 feet and are surprisingly heavy when mature. Water moderately during establishment; once established, morning glories are somewhat drought-tolerant and bloom better under mild stress. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers; a single application of 5-10-10 at planting is sufficient. Flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon or on cloudy days. In frost-free zones they can become invasive — deadhead all spent flowers before seeds mature.