How to Grow Eermans Scarlet
Wikimedia Commons
Eermans Scarlet
Ipomoea nil 'Eermans Scarlet'
vineEermans Scarlet is a striking morning glory cultivar renowned for its vibrant deep crimson-red flowers with a darker center throat. This vigorous climbing vine produces heart-shaped foliage and abundant blooms throughout the growing season. It's a popular ornamental variety prized for covering trellises, arbors, and fences with bold color.
When should you plant Eermans Scarlet in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Eermans Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Eermans Scarlet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Eermans Scarlet
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Eermans Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; annual in colder zones, perennial in warmer climates
Sign up free to see if Eermans Scarlet grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Eermans Scarlet timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants with 2-4 true leaves, developing a small root system
Provide bright light and maintain consistent moisture. Thin seedlings or transplant individuals to larger cells. Support development with gentle airflow to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVine rapidly extending with increasing numbers of heart-shaped leaves, reaching 2-4 feet
Guide vines onto support structures using soft ties or twine. Remove lower leaves if needed for air circulation. Water regularly but allow slight drying between waterings.
Flowering Initiation
1-2 weeksFirst flower buds appearing on upper portions of stems
Reduce nitrogen fertilization to encourage blooms rather than excessive foliage. Continue watering and support vine guidance. Morning glories open in early morning and close by afternoon.
Peak Flowering
6-8 weeks or until frostAbundant crimson-red trumpet flowers with darker central throat opening daily throughout the season
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, though many gardeners allow natural cycle. Water consistently. Monitor for pest issues. Flowers typically last one day.
Seed Development & End of Season
4-6 weeks until frostSeed pods developing where flowers have faded; foliage may yellow with frost approach
Allow some flowers to go unfertilized if seed collection desired. Remove vines after first hard frost. Clean up plant debris to reduce pest overwinter habitat.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick early morning or shake onto cloth; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid pheromone traps near valuable plants
-
Increase humidity with morning misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or horticultural oil in severe infestations
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; apply neem oil if severe
-
and
(Gastropoda)
Remove by hand, especially at night; create barriers with copper tape; use beer traps; encourage natural predators
Uses
Edible flowers for garnish
CulinaryMorning glory flowers, including those from Eermans Scarlet, can be used as colorful, delicate garnishes for salads and desserts. The flowers are mildly sweet with a subtle flavor suitable for fresh applications. [source]
Screen and shade garden structure
HouseholdThe vigorous growth habit makes Eermans Scarlet ideal for quickly covering unsightly fences, walls, arbors, and trellises. A mature vine provides attractive filtered shade for patios and seating areas. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftThe striking crimson blooms can be cut in early morning and arranged in water for same-day floral displays. While flowers close in afternoon, successive daily flowers provide continuous color. [source]
Pollinator nectar source
WildlifeMorning glories are excellent nectar sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The abundant daily flowers throughout the season provide critical food for migrating species. [source]
Traditional herbal preparations
MedicinalIn traditional Asian medicine, certain Ipomoea species are used in herbal preparations. However, some morning glory species contain alkaloid compounds and should only be used under professional guidance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Eermans Scarlet is grown primarily for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Enjoy blooms from early morning through mid-afternoon. For seed collection, allow some flower pods to mature fully until they become papery and brown, then collect seeds before pod splits open. Dry seeds thoroughly before storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Eermans Scarlet is named after a specific selection and breeding program, representing one of the most reliable crimson-flowering morning glory cultivars available to gardeners.
- 🌱 Morning glories earned their common name because their flowers reliably open in early morning hours and close by early afternoon, providing a daily flowering show.
- 🌱 Despite being an annual in most climates, Eermans Scarlet can live for multiple years in frost-free zones and may reseed itself in favorable conditions, creating naturalized drifts.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Eermans Scarlet planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Eermans Scarlet seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Eermans Scarlet timeline →