How to Grow Black Cat
Wikimedia Commons
Black Cat
Ipomoea purpurea 'Black Cat'
vineBlack Cat is a stunning ornamental morning glory vine known for its deep purple-black flowers that create a dramatic, nearly black appearance in the garden. The heart-shaped leaves provide lush green foliage as a backdrop to the striking blooms. This fast-growing annual vine is perfect for trellises, arbors, and fence coverage.
When should you plant Black Cat in your zone?
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Example Black Cat timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Cat
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 Black Cat
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Cat dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-10 as an annual; can be perennial in zones 9-10
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny emerging leaves, delicate vines beginning to develop
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright indirect light or grow under lights. Thin seedlings if overcrowded.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksRapid vine growth with increasingly dense heart-shaped foliage; no flowers yet
Guide vines onto trellis or support structure. Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth if desired.
Bud Formation
1-2 weeksSmall green buds appearing along the vines; vine growth continues
Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure. Reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to encourage flowering over foliage. Ensure adequate air circulation.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (until frost)Deep purple-black funnel-shaped flowers opening in early morning, typically closing by afternoon
Continue regular watering and provide full sun. Deadhead spent flowers if you want to encourage continuous blooming (optional). Apply balanced or phosphorus-heavy fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Seed Production
Until first frostFlowers fade and develop into small round seed pods; vine growth slows
If you want to collect seeds, allow some flowers to mature into seed pods. They'll dry on the vine. Otherwise, continue removing spent flowers to extend blooming period.
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Use strong water spray to dislodge.
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Increase humidity by misting. Apply neem oil or miticide. Ensure good air circulation.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Hand-pick in early morning. Use pheromone traps away from the plant. Apply spinosad if infestation is severe.
Uses
Garden Screen & Vertical Interest
CraftThe dramatic dark purple-black flowers create stunning visual contrast in the garden and provide excellent vertical coverage on trellises, arbors, fences, and walls. Perfect for creating focal points or screening unsightly areas. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe bright blooms attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and wildlife-supporting landscapes. [source]
Cut Flower Display
HouseholdThough morning glory flowers close by afternoon, the striking blooms can be cut in early morning for fresh floral arrangements and will remain open for several hours indoors. [source]
Seed Propagation
CulinaryMature seed pods can be harvested and stored to grow new plants the following season. The seeds are distinctive and decorative enough to save and share with other gardeners. [source]
Harvest Tips
Black Cat is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout summer and fall. If collecting seeds, allow pods to fully dry on the vine, then harvest and store in a cool, dry place for the next season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Black Cat' moniker refers to the extraordinarily dark purple flowers that appear almost black in certain light conditions, making them one of the darkest-flowered morning glory varieties available.
- 🌱 Morning glories open their flowers exclusively in the morning hours as a pollination strategy; the blooms typically close by afternoon or during cloudy weather, which is why they're named 'morning' glories.
- 🌱 Morning glory seeds contain ergot-like alkaloids and have been used traditionally in various cultures for medicinal purposes, though they should not be consumed without expert guidance due to potential toxicity.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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