Growing Morning Glory Flowers: A Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Morning glory flowers are beautiful, vining plants that bloom in a variety of vibrant colors. They’re easy to grow from seed, and they can add a touch of beauty to any garden. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to grow morning glories successfully.
Choosing and Preparing Morning Glory Seeds
When choosing morning glory seeds, you’ll have a wide variety of colors and shapes to choose from. Once you’ve selected your seeds, it’s important to prepare them for germination. Morning glory seeds have a hard coating that can prevent them from absorbing water. To overcome this, you can nick the seeds with a file or soak them in water overnight.
Planting Morning Glory Seeds
Morning glories can be planted directly in the ground or started indoors. If you’re planting them indoors, start the seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. When planting the seeds, be sure to plant them 1/4 inch deep in fertile soil.
Germinating Morning Glory Seeds
Morning glory seeds typically germinate within 4-7 days at a temperature of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during germination.
Growing Morning Glory Plants
Once your morning glory seeds have germinated, you’ll need to provide them with the right care to help them grow and thrive. Morning glories prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They also need a vertical surface to climb on, such as a fence, trellis, or archway.
Watering and Fertilizing Morning Glory Plants
Morning glories need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize your morning glory plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Common Problems with Morning Glory Plants
One common problem with morning glory plants is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and drop off. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure your plants have good air circulation and avoid overwatering.
Another common problem with morning glory plants is aphids. These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Collecting and Saving Morning Glory Seeds
Morning glory seeds form in pods after the flowers have bloomed. You can collect the seeds and save them for planting next year. To do this, allow the pods to dry on the plant until they turn brown. Then, remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Growing morning glory flowers is a fun and rewarding experience. By following the tips in this article, you can enjoy beautiful morning glory flowers in your garden for years to come.
