How to Grow Heavenly Days
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Heavenly Days
Convolvulus tricolor
flowerHeavenly Days is a dwarf morning glory cultivar known for its striking tricolor flowers that bloom in shades of blue, white, and yellow in concentric rings. This compact, bushy annual reaches only 12-15 inches tall, making it ideal for containers, borders, and small garden spaces. It produces an abundance of blooms throughout the warm season without the aggressive vining tendency of typical morning glories.
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Example Heavenly Days timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Heavenly Days
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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First Heavenly Days blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Heavenly Days dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best in zones 3-10 as a warm-season annual; can be grown anywhere frost-free
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Get my Heavenly Days timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and develop first true leaves
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warmth (65-75°F). Seeds germinate in 7-10 days. Do not cover seeds heavily
Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop multiple true leaves and begin forming a compact mound shape
Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Keep soil evenly moist. Protect from wind if grown outdoors early
Vegetative Growth
2-4 weeksPlant develops dense bushy foliage with increasing leaf coverage and branching
Continue consistent watering; reduce watering frequency slightly. Do not over-fertilize or foliage will dominate. Pinch tops early for bushier shape if needed
Flowering
6-10 weeks (from first bloom through season)Abundant tricolor blooms appear in concentric rings of blue, white, and yellow centers; flowers open in morning and close by afternoon
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water regularly but allow some drying between waterings. Apply dilute balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks if desired
Seed Set & Decline
Until first frostAs temperatures cool and day length decreases, flowering slows and seed pods develop
Allow some flowers to remain if you want to collect seeds. Plant will decline with first frost. Collect seed pods when dry and brown
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; ensure adequate humidity
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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and
Hand-pick at dawn or dusk; apply diatomaceous earth; use beer traps; remove leaf debris
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe petals are entirely edible and safe for consumption, adding ornamental beauty and subtle sweetness to salads, desserts, and beverages. Some cultures use morning glory flowers as a delicate garnish for special dishes. [source]
Container & Garden Display
HouseholdHeavenly Days excels in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and border plantings due to its compact, non-vining habit. Its dense branching and prolific blooms make it ideal for creating colorful, low-maintenance displays with minimal space. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalMorning glories have been used in traditional medicine in various cultures for digestive support, though modern use is limited. The plant should be used cautiously and under guidance, as seeds contain compounds that require proper preparation. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeHeavenly Days flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators with their abundant blooms and nectar production. The morning blooming pattern provides early-morning foraging for pollinators. [source]
Seed Saving & Propagation
CraftThe plant produces viable seeds easily, making it excellent for home seed-saving projects. Gardeners can collect and store seeds for replanting next season, creating a sustainable annual garden feature. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Heavenly Days is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly (each morning) to encourage continuous flowering throughout summer and into early fall. To collect seeds, allow a few flowers to remain on the plant until seed pods turn brown and dry; harvest pods before rain or frost and store in cool, dry location. Seeds can be saved for next year's planting
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite being called morning glories, Heavenly Days flowers typically open in early morning and close by afternoon, making them true morning bloomers that demonstrate heliotropic behavior
- 🌱 The tricolor flower pattern—blue outer petals, white middle ring, and yellow center—creates a natural target that attracts and guides pollinators directly to the flower's center
- 🌱 Morning glories were sacred to the Aztecs and used in ceremonial practices; the plant has deep historical and cultural significance in Mesoamerican traditions
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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