How to Grow Empress Purple
Wikimedia Commons
Empress Purple
Ipomoea purpurea
vineEmpress Purple is a vigorous ornamental morning glory vine known for its deep purple-violet flowers with darker purple throats. This annual climbing vine produces heart-shaped leaves and abundant blooms throughout the growing season, making it an excellent choice for trellises, arbors, and vertical gardening.
When should you plant Empress Purple 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 Empress Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Empress Purple
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Empress Purple
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Empress Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; grown as annual in cooler zones, perennial in warm zones
Sign up free to see if Empress Purple grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Empress Purple timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate in 7-14 days with proper moisture and warmth. Seedlings develop true leaves and begin climbing instincts.
Soak seeds overnight or scarify seed coat to improve germination. Keep soil warm (70-75°F). Provide support or trellis early as vines grow quickly.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid vine extension with heart-shaped leaves developing along stems. Plant establishes root system and sends out multiple lateral branches.
Guide vines onto support structure. Water consistently. Pinch back tips if more branching is desired. Light fertilizing with balanced or low-nitrogen formula.
Flowering
8-12 weeksAbundant trumpet-shaped flowers emerge, typically opening in early morning and closing by afternoon. Deep purple-violet petals with darker purple throat markings.
Maintain consistent watering and support structure. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming, though morning glories self-seed readily. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer.
Peak Bloom & Seed Production
6-8 weeksVine reaches full size with maximum flowering. Round seed pods develop where flowers have faded.
Allow some flowers to fade and develop seeds if you want self-seeding next year. Continue watering and maintaining structure. Monitor for pests.
Decline & Frost Kill
Until first frostVine continues flowering until first frost. Foliage blackens and vine dies back in cold weather.
Collect seed pods for next year if desired. Allow self-seeding or clean up plant material. In frost-free zones, vine may persist and reflush.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Ensure adequate humidity.
-
Hand-pick beetles in early morning or use Japanese beetle traps nearby. Neem oil or insecticidal soap on severe infestations.
-
Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, or release parasitic wasps. Maintain good air circulation.
-
Spray with water, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce ladybugs. Monitor undersides of leaves regularly.
-
and
Remove by hand, use slug bait, create copper barriers, or encourage ground beetles and birds.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryMorning glory flowers are edible with a slightly sweet taste and can be used as a colorful garnish in salads, desserts, or beverages. They should be harvested fresh and eaten the same day. [source]
Traditional herbal preparation
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, morning glory seeds have been used in herbal preparations, though this practice is not universally endorsed and safety should be verified with qualified practitioners. [source]
Natural dye source
HouseholdThe flowers and plant material can be used to create natural dyes, producing shades of purple and blue on various natural fabrics with proper mordanting techniques. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftFresh morning glory flowers can be cut in early morning for floral arrangements and decorative displays, though they close by afternoon. They add vibrant purple color to mixed bouquets. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making Empress Purple an excellent choice for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Flowers bloom and close daily, so enjoy them fresh in the morning. For seeds, allow pods to mature and brown on the vine (late season), then collect before they split naturally. Store dry seeds in cool, dark place for next season. Seeds remain viable 4-5 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glories are named for their habit of opening their flowers in early morning and closing them by afternoon, following circadian rhythms even when kept in constant darkness.
- 🌱 Empress Purple vines can grow 8-10 feet in a single season from seed, making them one of the fastest-growing annual vines for quick garden cover.
- 🌱 The flowers typically only stay open for one day, but the prolific blooming ensures continuous flowers throughout the growing season, sometimes producing hundreds of blooms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Empress Purple planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Empress Purple 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 Empress Purple timeline →