How to Grow Blue Wonder
Wikimedia Commons
Blue Wonder
Ipomoea tricolor 'Blue Wonder'
vineBlue Wonder is a cultivar of morning glory featuring stunning deep blue flowers with white throats that open in early morning and close by afternoon. This vigorous climbing vine grows rapidly and produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season, making it excellent for trellises, arbors, and garden structures.
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Example Blue Wonder timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Wonder
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 Blue Wonder
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Wonder dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; typically grown as annual in cooler zones, perennial in warmer zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants with 2-3 true leaves, developing a central growing point
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost danger passes. Soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Keep soil warm (70°F+) and moist. Provide bright light.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid vine growth with multiple stems and heart-shaped leaves developing along climbing shoots
Install support structure early. Pinch growing tips if needed to encourage branching. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Keep temperatures warm.
Flowering
8-12 weeks, extending until frostAbundant deep blue flowers with white throats opening daily along the vine
Flowers open early morning and close by afternoon. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooming over leaf growth. Continue regular watering and ensure adequate sun. Remove spent flowers if desired.
Peak Production
4-8 weeks depending on climateContinuous flowering with dense vine coverage and prolific blooms from mid-summer through fall
Maintain consistent moisture and sunlight. Switch to low-nitrogen fertilizer or cease fertilizing to maximize flowers. Monitor for pests. Support structure should be sturdy.
Decline/Frost Sensitivity
Until first frostVines slow production as temperatures drop; frost kills the plant in zones below 10
In warm zones, vines may persist and regrow. In cooler zones, harvest seeds before first frost if desired. Compost spent vines or leave for wildlife habitat.
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators; inspect new plants before planting
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with neem oil or sulfur; use miticide if severe
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; apply neem oil
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps; avoid pesticides that harm pollinators
Uses
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeBlue Wonder flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their vibrant blue blooms and accessible nectar. The morning glory provides excellent foraging resources during mid to late summer when other flowers may be scarce. [source]
Garden Screen & Trellis Coverage
CraftThe vigorous vining growth quickly covers trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences, creating living screens and shade structures. Blue Wonder provides both aesthetic beauty and functional shade in 4-6 weeks. [source]
Cut Flowers
HouseholdMorning glory flowers can be cut early in the morning while open and kept in water for a few hours as fresh decorative arrangements. The delicate blooms add vibrant blue color to indoor displays. [source]
Traditional Ethnobotany
MedicinalMorning glory seeds have been used in traditional medicine and indigenous practices, though they contain ergot alkaloids and should not be consumed without expert guidance. Some species contain compounds studied for their bioactive properties. [source]
Edible Flower Garnish
CulinaryMorning glory flowers are occasionally used as elegant edible garnishes in gourmet cuisine. The blooms add visual appeal to plates and salads, though this use should be limited to ornamental varieties grown without pesticides. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Blue Wonder is grown as an ornamental flower for garden enjoyment rather than for harvest. Enjoy the fresh blooms in the garden throughout the season. If saving seeds, allow flowers to fade and seed pods to mature on the vine before first frost, then harvest dried seed pods.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glories get their name because their trumpet-shaped flowers open at dawn and typically close by mid-afternoon, creating a daily blooming cycle synchronized with sunrise.
- 🌱 Blue Wonder can grow up to 10-12 feet in a single growing season in warm climates, making it one of the fastest-growing ornamental vines for rapid garden coverage.
- 🌱 Morning glory seeds contain ergot alkaloids (compounds also found in certain fungi), which is why they should never be consumed recreationally despite historical misuse.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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