How to grow morning glory

Morning glory needs plenty of sun and a sheltered site in order to grow well. It makes an excellent container plant either outside in the garden or indoors in a conservatory or porch. Grow this versatile climber on a range of supports – either free-standing obelisk-type supports, a trellis or next to an established shrub or conifer so the morning glory scrambles through it.

Sowing morning glory seeds

Sow seed in early to mid-spring as morning glory needs a long growing season. Before sowing, soak seed overnight in tepid water to soften the hard seed coat. Sow seed 1cm deep in pots of moist seed compost and place in a warm spot – ideally a propagator – to germinate. Once the seedlings appear, move to a warm well-lit windowsill or greenhouse, out of draughts, to grow on, supported individually by thin canes as the young plants soon start to climb. Transplant into individual small pots and continue growing indoors until late May or early June. Before planting out, harden off (acclimatise gradually to the outside) over a period of two weeks.

How to plant morning glory

Plant three to five morning glory plants spaced evenly around a large pot, ideally a minimum of 30-40cm wide and deep. Part-fill the pot with a good, peat-free multi-purpose potting compost, then gently remove each plant from its pot by turning it upside down with fingers spread across the surface of the compost, so as to keep the root ball as intact as possible. Place the young morning plants in the large pot, fill the gaps between the root balls with compost and firm gently. Water in to settle the compost around the roots and top up if it settles to leave any gaps. If using a free-standing support, put this over the plants. Gently remove the individual canes and wind the stems onto their support.

How to care for morning glory

Water as required to keep the compost evenly moist but take care not to overwater.

Check once or twice a week to ensure the stems continue to twine up their supports. Occasionally they may need a little training to grow in the right direction.

Start feeding every 10-14 days with a liquid fertiliser high in potash once the first flowers appear.

Removing faded and dead flower heads to encourage more blooms.

Growing morning glory: problem solving

Yellowing or white-tinged young leaves indicate cold conditions, especially when plants are small. Ensure their growing environment is warm, free from cold draughts, and if growing on a window sill, bring plants into the room at night when drawing the curtains.

Aphids often attack the young leaves and shoots. Inspect plants regularly and then gently hand-squash small infestations to prevent numbers getting out of control.

Varieties of morning glory to grow

• Ipomoea purpurea 'Grandpa Ott' - an heirloom variety hailing from Bavaria. Its flowers are an intense violet-blue, with a pinkish throat and star-shaped veining
• Ipomoea purpurea 'Star Of Yalta' - bears deep purple flowers with rich red veins forming a star shape from the centre to the petal tips
• Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue' - bears large sky-blue trumpets with clear white and yellow throats