How to Grow Princess Purple
Wikimedia Commons
Princess Purple
Ipomoea purpurea
vinePrincess Purple is a stunning ornamental morning glory variety known for its deep purple, ruffled flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This fast-growing annual vine produces heart-shaped leaves and can quickly cover trellises, arbors, and fences with lush foliage and vibrant blooms. Flowers typically open in early morning and close by afternoon, though on cloudy days they may remain open longer.
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Example Princess Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Princess Purple
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 Princess Purple
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Princess Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; perennial in zones 9-11
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Seed Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds begin to sprout and develop the first cotyledons (seed leaves)
Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination occurs in 7-14 days at 70-80°F.
Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop their first true leaves and establish a root system
Provide bright indirect light. Keep soil moist. Once true leaves appear, gradually introduce sunlight. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Support with small stakes if needed.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksVines grow rapidly with increasing foliage and establishment of climbing stems
Provide climbing structure (trellis, arbor, or fence). Train vines onto support as they grow. Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Can fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (from first flower to frost)Beautiful purple flowers begin to appear along the vines and continue throughout the season
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming (optional but extends flowering). Maintain consistent watering without overwatering. Continue light fertilizing if desired. Most vigorous during warm months.
Seed Production
3-4 weeks after floweringAfter flowers fade, seed pods develop on the vine if flowers are not deadheaded
Allow some flowers to go unpollinated if you want seeds for next year. Seed pods mature and dry on the vine. Harvest pods when papery and brown before they split naturally.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning or shake vines over a bucket. Use row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil or pyrethrin as needed. Install pheromone traps nearby.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase air circulation. Use reflective mulches to deter. Vacuum insects off with handheld vacuum in severe cases.
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Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity. Spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil or sulfur dusting. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
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Prune heavily infested stems. Spray with horticultural oil during dormant season. Apply insecticidal soap in growing season.
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and
Handpick in early morning or evening. Use copper tape around support structures. Create beer traps. Encourage natural predators like ground beetles.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryMorning glory flowers are mildly sweet and can be used fresh in salads, as garnish for desserts, or crystallized. The flowers add visual appeal to culinary presentations and are non-toxic when used sparingly. [source]
Vertical Garden and Screening
HouseholdPrincess Purple is excellent for creating natural privacy screens, covering unsightly fences or walls, and providing shade for patios and arbors. Its rapid growth makes it ideal for quick coverage in a single season. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. Morning glories are an important nectar source for many beneficial insects. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, morning glory seeds have been used for their mild laxative properties, though this requires careful dosing. Some cultures use leaf infusions for respiratory support, though medical consultation is advised. [source]
Cut and Dried Arrangements
CraftWhile the flowers don't persist well in cut arrangements, the dried seed pods and vines can be used in dried flower arrangements and wreaths for autumn and seasonal decor. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Princess Purple is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. To collect seeds, allow several flowers to develop into seed pods. Harvest dried seed pods in fall before frost; store seeds in a cool, dry place for next season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Princess Purple morning glories have flowers that 'sleep' each afternoon, closing as a response to light and temperature changes—a behavior called nyctinasty.
- 🌱 Morning glories are ancient cultivated plants used in Aztec ceremonies and traditional Mexican medicine dating back centuries.
- 🌱 A single mature plant can produce hundreds of flowers over a season, providing continuous color from midsummer until the first frost.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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