How to Grow Big Ben
Wikimedia Commons
Big Ben
Ipomoea purpurea
vineBig Ben is a vigorous morning glory variety featuring large, deep purple flowers with white stripes radiating from the center. This fast-growing annual vine can reach 8-10 feet or more, making it excellent for covering trellises, arbors, and fences. The heart-shaped leaves and prolific blooms create a stunning vertical garden display throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Big Ben in your zone?
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Example Big Ben timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Big Ben
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Big Ben
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Big Ben dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 9-11
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Get my Big Ben timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and develop first true leaves; seedlings grow slowly at first.
Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVine rapidly elongates with vigorous leaf production; stems begin twining around supports.
Install sturdy trellis or support structure early. Water regularly and deeply. Pinch tips if bushier growth is desired.
Flowering
6-10 weeks or until frostLarge purple and white striped trumpet flowers open in early morning, closing by afternoon. Flowers appear continuously.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Continue regular watering and avoid overfeeding nitrogen (encourages foliage over flowers).
Seed Production
3-4 weeks before frostAs flowering slows, seed pods develop behind spent flowers; seeds mature in round capsules.
Leave some flowers unpruned to collect seeds for next year. Allow pods to dry on vine before harvesting.
Frost Decline
Variable, depends on first frost dateFirst frost kills vine; foliage blackens and withers in cold zones.
Harvest seed pods before hard freeze if saving seeds. In warm climates, vine may persist or regrow.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, use row covers on young plants, or apply neem oil. Remove and destroy affected leaves.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage, use insecticidal soap, or spray with water to dislodge mites.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil, or apply insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Spray with water to remove, use insecticidal soap, or introduce ladybugs. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
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and
Remove by hand, create barriers with copper tape, use beer traps, or apply diatomaceous earth around base.
Uses
Vertical Garden Screening
CraftBig Ben's vigorous growth makes it ideal for quickly covering unsightly structures, creating privacy screens, and softening hard architectural edges. The dense foliage and prolific purple blooms provide natural, living decorative coverage for 4-6 months. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdFresh morning glory flowers can be cut in early morning when blooms are fresh and crisp. While they close in afternoon, they make beautiful temporary additions to small arrangements and can be re-opened by placing in water. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant trumpet flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. Morning glories provide essential nectar sources during peak summer months. [source]
Ornamental Edible Seeds
CulinaryWhile morning glory seeds contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress in large quantities, small amounts have been traditionally used in some cultures. The seeds are generally grown ornamentally rather than consumed. [source]
Traditional Herbal Interest
MedicinalMorning glory has appeared in traditional medicine systems for centuries, though modern use is limited due to potential alkaloid content. Research continues on various bioactive compounds in Ipomoea species. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Big Ben is ornamental rather than edible, so harvest is primarily for seed collection. Allow flower pods to fully dry on the vine (they turn brown and papery), then cut and store in a cool, dry place. Seeds can be collected from late summer through early fall before the first frost. Store dried seeds in a sealed container in a cool location for up to 2 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Big Ben morning glories are named for their massive 2-3 inch purple flowers with striking white stripes—among the largest in the morning glory family.
- 🌱 Despite their name, morning glory flowers close by midday; they bloom in a strict daily cycle triggered by light exposure, opening at dawn and shutting by afternoon.
- 🌱 Morning glories were sacred to Aztec civilizations and depicted in ancient codices; the name 'xicalcoliuhqui' in Nahuatl refers to the flower's angular pattern.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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