How to Grow Dwarf Morning Glory 'Midnight Blue'
Dwarf Morning Glory 'Midnight Blue'
Ipomoea tricolor 'Midnight Blue'
flowerNanus Midnight Blue is a compact cultivar of morning glory featuring deep, rich midnight blue flowers with contrasting white throats. This dwarf variety grows to just 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for containers, borders, and small spaces while maintaining the classic morning glory charm of trumpet-shaped blooms that open in early morning.
When should you plant Dwarf Morning Glory 'Midnight Blue' in your zone?
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Example Dwarf Morning Glory 'Midnight Blue' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dwarf Morning Glory 'Midnight Blue'
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 Dwarf Morning Glory 'Midnight Blue' blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as a warm-season annual
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall green shoots emerge from soil with cotyledons (seed leaves) expanding into true leaves
Keep soil warm (70°F+) and consistently moist. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Soak seeds 24 hours before planting to improve germination.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksCompact bushy plant develops multiple stems with heart-shaped green leaves, no flowers yet
Ensure full sun exposure for stockier growth. Pinch off growing tips when 4-6 inches tall to encourage branching. Water regularly and fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Budding
1-2 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips, appearing as small swollen nodes before opening
Maintain consistent watering and sun exposure. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over leaf growth. Avoid moving plants excessively.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (until frost)Trumpet-shaped midnight blue flowers with white throats open in early morning and close by afternoon heat
Deadhead spent flowers daily to encourage continuous blooming. Keep soil moist during hot spells. Maintain full sun. Continue balanced fertilization every 4 weeks.
Seed Pod Development
2-3 weeks after floweringIf not deadheaded, flowers fade and develop papery seed pods containing seeds
Allow some flowers to remain if saving seeds. Harvest seed pods when brown and dry. Store seeds in cool, dry location for next season.
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Increase humidity around plants. Treat infected plants weekly until resolved.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves. Treat every 5-7 days as needed.
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings. Treat affected areas every 3-4 days.
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Hand-pick early morning when beetles are sluggish. Use pheromone traps away from plants. Apply neem oil for severe infestations.
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryThe morning glory flowers can be used as edible decorations for salads and desserts, providing a striking midnight blue visual element. Always ensure no pesticides have been applied if harvesting for consumption. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftFresh morning glory flowers make delicate cut flowers for small arrangements and table settings, though they do close by mid-day. Best used in arrangements intended for morning viewing or special dawn events. [source]
Container & Patio Décor
HouseholdThe compact dwarf habit makes Midnight Blue perfect for decorating patios, balconies, and windowsills in containers. The vibrant blue color adds striking visual interest to exterior spaces throughout warm months. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeMorning glories attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them valuable additions to pollinator gardens. The abundant daily blooms provide consistent nectar throughout the growing season. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalCertain morning glory species have been used in traditional medicine, though Ipomoea tricolor is primarily ornamental. Some cultures use related species in folk remedies, but scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flowers daily in the morning after they close to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. For seed saving, allow a few flowers to develop seed pods. Harvest mature brown seed pods before frost, allow them to dry completely indoors, then extract and store seeds in a cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glories open their flowers at dawn and close them by afternoon, a behavior driven by circadian rhythms that allow them to conserve water during hot hours.
- 🌱 The seeds of Ipomoea species contain ergot alkaloids and have been used historically as laxatives, though this should never be attempted without medical guidance due to toxicity concerns.
- 🌱 The 'Midnight Blue' cultivar was developed to produce the deepest blue morning glory flowers available in cultivation, making it a favorite among flower gardeners seeking vivid color.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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