How to Grow Hairy Morning Glory
Hairy Morning Glory
Ipomoea pubescens
vineHairy morning glory is a tropical climbing vine known for its soft, pubescent (hairy) stems and heart-shaped leaves. It produces delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white that open in the morning and close by afternoon. This ornamental vine is popular for trellises, arbors, and containers in warm climates.
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Example Hairy Morning Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hairy Morning Glory
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 Hairy Morning Glory
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hairy Morning Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; grown as an annual in zones 3-10
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Seed Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout with cotyledons emerging. Hairy stems begin to develop early.
Soak seeds 12-24 hours before planting to improve germination. Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist. Germination typically occurs in 7-14 days.
Seedling & Early Growth
2-4 weeksTrue leaves emerge; hairy stems and vining growth become apparent. Plant develops several leaf nodes.
Provide bright light and support structure (stakes or strings). Water carefully to avoid damping off. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Climbing
4-8 weeksVine grows vigorously with numerous heart-shaped leaves and hairy stems. Tendrils extend and attach to support structures.
Guide vine onto trellis or support as needed. Pinch tips early to encourage bushiness. Continue moderate watering and regular fertilization with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (continues until frost in most climates)Delicate trumpet flowers appear along the vine in pink, purple, or white. Flowers open in early morning and close by afternoon.
Maintain consistent watering during flowering. Apply low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooms. Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous flowering.
Seed Production
3-4 weeks after floweringFlowers fade and small seed pods develop. Hairy sepals become more prominent as pods mature.
Allow some flowers to remain unpicked if you want to collect seeds. Pods dry on the vine and split open when mature. Collect seeds before they scatter naturally.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe. Increase humidity.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Hand-pick if few in number; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for organic control if needed.
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Ensure good air circulation. Spray with sulfur dust or neem oil. Remove affected leaves.
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Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Uses
Ornamental Climbing Vine
CraftHairy morning glory is prized as an ornamental vine for covering trellises, arbors, fences, and structures with beautiful flowers. The hairy stems and leaves add textural interest to the landscape. [source]
Cut Flowers
HouseholdThe delicate morning glory flowers can be cut early in the morning for fresh floral arrangements. They provide charming, ephemeral beauty in vases. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe trumpet-shaped flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Container Growing
CraftHairy morning glory thrives in containers and hanging baskets, allowing gardeners in cooler zones to grow it seasonally on patios and balconies. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalSome Ipomoea species have been used in traditional medicine, though hairy morning glory itself is less commonly used than other species like I. purga. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Hairy morning glory is primarily ornamental and not typically harvested. For seed collection, allow flowers to develop pods, then wait for pods to dry and split naturally on the vine. Collect dried seeds in late summer/early fall before they scatter. Cut vines back in late fall after frost kills the plant, or prune as desired to maintain shape.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glory flowers open precisely at dawn and close by afternoon, a behavior driven by the plant's internal circadian rhythm that persists even in constant darkness.
- 🌱 The hairy stems that give this species its common name are covered in trichomes (tiny hair-like structures) that help reduce water loss and may protect against some pests.
- 🌱 Ipomoea pubescens is native to tropical and subtropical regions and is more heat-loving than many other morning glory species, making it ideal for warm gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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