How to Grow Midnight Conversion
Midnight Conversion
Ipomoea purpurea 'Midnight Conversion'
vineMidnight Conversion is a stunning morning glory cultivar featuring deep purple-black flowers with distinctive white or pale pink stripes radiating from the center. This fast-growing annual vine produces large, heart-shaped leaves and prolific blooms throughout the growing season. It's a vigorous climber perfect for trellises, arbors, and garden structures.
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Example Midnight Conversion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Midnight Conversion
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 Midnight Conversion
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Midnight Conversion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; can self-seed readily in warm climates
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Get my Midnight Conversion timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysCotyledons emerge and initial heart-shaped true leaves develop. Seedlings are tender and delicate.
Keep soil warm and consistently moist. Provide bright indirect light if starting indoors. Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid vine elongation with multiple heart-shaped leaves emerging. Plant establishes a strong root system and climbs vigorously up supports.
Provide sturdy trellis or support structure early. Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Pinch tips if bushier growth is desired.
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at leaf axils. First flowers appear, showcasing the dramatic purple-black petals with white striping.
Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering over foliage. Remove any damaged leaves.
Peak Flowering
6-8 weeks or until frostAbundant blooms open each morning and close by afternoon. Flowers display vibrant color contrast and create stunning visual impact.
Continue regular watering at the base. Deadheading spent flowers is optional but can encourage slightly more blooms. Monitor for pests.
Seed Development & Season End
Until first frostFlowers fade as seed pods develop. Vines continue growth until first frost kills the plant in cold climates.
Allow some flowers to remain for seed development if you want self-seeding next year. Water moderately. In late season, reduce supplemental watering to harden off the plant.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, use row covers when young, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed
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Spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil, maintain adequate humidity
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, increase air circulation
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Remove affected leaves, spray with neem oil or horticultural oil in early morning
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and
(Gastropoda)
Hand-pick at night, use slug baits, create copper barriers, encourage natural predators
Uses
Traditional Asian cooking ingredient
CulinaryMorning glory leaves and shoots (known as water spinach or kangkong when young) are eaten as a nutritious green vegetable in Asian cuisines, typically stir-fried. The tender shoots are valued for their slightly bitter flavor and crunchy texture. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, morning glory seeds and roots have been used to support digestive health and overall wellness. The seeds contain alkaloids that have been studied for their bioactive properties. [source]
Floral arrangements and cut flowers
HouseholdThe striking dark purple flowers with white striping make exceptional fresh cut flowers for arrangements, though they close in the afternoon. Harvest in early morning for longest vase life. [source]
Garden design and aesthetic landscaping
CraftPerfect for creating dramatic vertical interest, screening unsightly views, or adorning pergolas and trellises with its vigorous vining growth and stunning flower color contrast. Often used in cottage garden and contemporary garden designs. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout the blooming season, making it valuable 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
Morning glories are primarily ornamental; harvest flowers for fresh arrangements in early morning when they first open. If saving seeds, allow pods to fully dry on the vine until brown and papery, then collect before they shatter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glory flowers open in the early morning and typically close by afternoon, a phenomenon controlled by the plant's internal circadian rhythm and response to light and temperature changes.
- 🌱 Midnight Conversion produces seeds naturally and can self-seed prolifically in warm climates, returning year after year without replanting, though seedlings may have variable flower colors.
- 🌱 The vines can grow 8-10 feet or more in a single season, making them among the fastest-growing annual ornamental plants for quick garden coverage.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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