How to Grow Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory
Wikimedia Commons
Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea
vineGrandpa Ott's is a heirloom variety of morning glory prized for its stunning deep magenta flowers with a darker purple star pattern in the center. This vigorous annual vine produces abundant blooms that open in early morning and close by afternoon, creating a spectacular display throughout the growing season. It's a heritage variety that has been passed down through families for generations and freely self-seeds.
When should you plant Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory 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 Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 9-11
Sign up free to see if Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory timeline →Growth Stages
Seed/Germination
1-2 weeksHard seed coat requires scarification or soaking; germination occurs in 7-14 days under warm conditions (70°F+).
Nick seeds with a file or soak overnight in room temperature water before planting. Sow directly outdoors after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks prior. Keep soil warm and moist but not waterlogged.
Seedling/Establishment
2-3 weeksTiny heart-shaped cotyledons emerge, followed by true leaves. Plant develops initial root system and small vine structure.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Provide support structure (trellis, strings, stake) early. Keep soil consistently moist. Ensure strong light (6+ hours) to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVigorous vine growth with heart-shaped leaves covering the support structure. Tendrils actively climb and spread.
Guide vines onto supports and tie loosely as needed. Maintain consistent moisture and moderate fertility. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes leaves over flowers. Water at base of plant.
Flowering
8-12 weeksAbundant 1.5-2 inch funnel-shaped flowers with deep magenta petals and darker purple star marking appear. Blooms open at dawn and close by mid-afternoon.
Reduce watering slightly to encourage more blooms. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) is unnecessary and vines will self-clean. Fertilize sparingly; too much nitrogen reduces flowering. Enjoy daily bloom display.
Seed Production/End of Season
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and seed pods develop. Vines may slow growth as temperatures cool in fall. Seeds mature in brown papery capsules.
Allow some flowers to go to seed if you wish to collect seeds for next year. Let seed pods dry on vine before collecting. Seeds remain viable for 4-5 years stored in cool, dry conditions. Plant will decline with first frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
-
Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants. Apply neem oil as preventive.
-
Ensure good air circulation and water at soil level. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water). Reduce humidity.
Uses
Garden screening and vertical accent
CraftGrandpa Ott's vigorous growth habit makes it ideal for quickly covering trellises, arbors, fences, and screens. The abundant magenta flowers with star patterns create a stunning visual focal point in any garden design. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe bright magenta flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the flowering season, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
HouseholdPick flowers in early morning before they close. Although they close by afternoon, the blooms create lovely fresh arrangements and are popular for floral designs. Cut vines can be used for decorative arrangements. [source]
Traditional ethnobotanical uses
MedicinalIpomoea species have been used in traditional medicine systems, though Grandpa Ott's should not be consumed without expert guidance. Seeds contain compounds studied for various properties in ethnobotanical research. [source]
Seed saving and heirloom preservation
CraftAs a treasured heirloom variety, Grandpa Ott's is excellent for learning seed-saving techniques. It freely produces viable seeds that can be collected, stored, and replanted, maintaining this historic cultivar. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Morning glories are grown for ornamental flowers, not harvested for food. To collect seeds for next season: allow seed pods to mature and dry on the vine (they turn brown and papery), then collect pods before they shatter. Store dry seeds in a cool, dry place in paper envelopes. Grandpa Ott's self-seeds readily, so you may find volunteer seedlings the following year if you allow pods to drop naturally.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Grandpa Ott's is a true heirloom variety with a rich history—it was passed down through the Ott family for generations before being introduced to the broader gardening community. Many gardeners today grow seeds directly descended from the original family plants.
- 🌱 Morning glory flowers are heliotropic, meaning they follow the sun and close in a predictable pattern. Grandpa Ott's blooms reliably open at dawn and close by mid-afternoon, making them perfect for early-morning garden enjoyment.
- 🌱 The vine can grow 6-9 feet in a single season and will readily self-seed, sometimes appearing in unexpected places in the garden the following year. This enthusiastic reseeding behavior is why many gardeners consider it a 'pass-along' plant, sharing seeds with friends and family.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory 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 Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory timeline →