How to Grow Cabaret Deep Blue
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Cabaret Deep Blue
Ipomoea purpurea 'Cabaret Deep Blue'
vineCabaret Deep Blue is a stunning morning glory variety featuring large, deep blue flowers with darker blue stripes and a contrasting white throat. This vigorous annual vine climbs 8-10 feet and produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season. It's prized as an ornamental climber for trellises, arbors, and fences.
When should you plant Cabaret Deep Blue in your zone?
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Example Cabaret Deep Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cabaret Deep Blue
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 Cabaret Deep Blue
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cabaret Deep Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as a warm-season annual; grows year-round in zones 10-11
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-14 days showing heart-shaped cotyledons. Young seedlings develop one or two pairs of true leaves.
Soak seeds overnight or gently scarify to speed germination. Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist. Provide indirect light until true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVine rapidly develops climbing stems with heart-shaped leaves. Plant grows vigorously and twines around support structures.
Install support/trellis early. Water regularly and feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch growing tips if bushier growth desired. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaf growth over flowers.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (peak season)Deep blue flowers with darker stripes open in early morning, typically closing by afternoon. Flowers are funnel-shaped, 1.5-2 inches across.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to low-nitrogen or bloom-promoting fertilizer. Water at soil level in early morning to avoid fungal issues. Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Seed Production
4-6 weeksAfter flowers fade, green seed pods develop containing round, dark seeds. Pods mature and dry naturally on the vine.
Allow pods to fully mature and dry on the vine if collecting seeds. Leave a few flowers unpruned near season's end for seed production. Deadhead other spent flowers to extend blooming.
Frost Decline
1-2 weeks at season's endVine dies back with first hard frost (typically 28°F or lower). Foliage blackens and plant ceases growth.
Allow vine to die naturally or remove before cleanup. Collect mature seed pods before frost if you want to save seeds. Compost plant material unless diseased.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity by misting; ensure good air circulation
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Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers before peak beetle season; apply neem oil; avoid Japanese beetle traps nearby
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Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; use yellow sticky traps; encourage natural predators
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and
Remove debris; handpick at dusk; use copper tape around base; apply diatomaceous earth; beer traps
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryMorning glory flowers are technically edible and can garnish salads or desserts for ornamental presentation. However, morning glory seeds contain hallucinogenic compounds and should never be consumed. [source]
Living Privacy Screen & Shade
HouseholdDense vine growth quickly creates an attractive living screen for privacy or shade on trellises, arbors, fences, and pergolas. Provides natural cooling for buildings and outdoor spaces. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftLarge, vibrant blue flowers are excellent for fresh flower arrangements, though they close by midday. Ideal for morning bouquets and adds striking color contrast to floral designs. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDeep blue flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the season. Provides abundant nectar and pollen for beneficial insects. [source]
Traditional Use (Seeds Only - Not Recommended)
MedicinalHistorically, morning glory seeds have been used in traditional medicine in some cultures, but they contain ergot-like alkaloids and should be avoided for consumption due to toxicity and hallucinogenic properties. Not recommended for home use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. To collect seeds, allow a few flowers near the end of the season to develop into seed pods; harvest when pods turn brown and papery, typically 4-6 weeks after flowering. Dry pods indoors and extract seeds; store in cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glory flowers open with the sunrise and typically close by early afternoon, a phenomenon called heliotropism or nyctinasty. The name 'morning glory' directly references this daily cycle.
- 🌱 Cabaret Deep Blue produces flowers in the rare pure blue color, which is relatively uncommon in annual vines and highly valued by gardeners seeking vibrant blue garden color.
- 🌱 Morning glory seeds contain lysergic acid amide (LSA), an alkaloid also found in the ergot fungus, which is why they have been historically sought for psychoactive purposes—consuming them is dangerous and can cause severe illness.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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