Morning glories are a fantastic way to add color and coverage to gates and trellises. Growing morning glories is quite simple, and once they get started they really take off! If you want to add the color and charm of morning glories to your garden and landscape this year, take a peek below at 7 tips for growing morning glories that will help you get a successful bounty! Here is how to get started!
7 Tips for Growing Morning Glories
1. Soak seeds prior to planting.
Before you plant your morning glory seeds (planting from seed is advised since you most likely won’t be able to find seedlings) soak them in water. Soaking them in water can help speed up the germination process so you can enjoy your blooms sooner! Soaking for 24 hours is advised.
2. Plant early in the season using well drained soil.
You want to plant your morning glory seeds directly into the ground. Do this early in the season once the temperatures reach and stay at 65 degrees or higher. Use well drained soil so the seeds don’t get too saturated and start to rot. Plant at least 6 inches apart.
3. Use a liquid fertilizer.
Morning glory seeds typically need a little boost. Feed them a liquid fertilizer as soon as you plant and again several weeks later. This will help them bloom their best and help you enjoy a successful planting season.
4. Provide support.
Morning glories do best if they have a support system. Plant them near a trellis, gate, or fence where they can latch on and climb as they like to. They have very thin tendrils and vines, and the support can help them grow even in windy weather.
5. Train the vines.
The vines should latch onto the support on their own, but it is best to give them a helping hand. Take the vines and tendrils and gently wrap them around the support system. This method of training will help them know what to do so they can get a strong hold on the support.
6. Water only during droughts.
Your morning glories don’t need to be water daily or even weekly. As long as regular rainfall is happening, they should be fine. The only time you need to worry about watering is if the area you live in is experiencing drought. Then, water deeply so the roots have a chance to get plenty of moisture.
7. Protect them from pests.
Bugs don’t seem to bother morning glories, but if you live in an area where deer or bunnies are present they may nibble on them. The best way to prevent this is to plant in an area that the pests can’t enter. Or, use light netting round the base of the plants so animals can’t access them.
Growing your own morning glories can be fun and easy, and once they are off to a running start they will just keep going! Give these tips for growing your own morning glories a try and see how glorious they can truly be!
Morning Glories are very pretty flowers.