How to Grow Regatta Blue
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Regatta Blue
Ipomoea nil 'Regatta Blue'
vineRegatta Blue is a compact morning glory cultivar bred specifically for container gardening and smaller spaces. It produces abundant sky-blue flowers with a white throat and reaches only 12-18 inches in height, making it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and patio containers. Despite its dwarf habit, it blooms prolifically throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Regatta Blue in your zone?
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Example Regatta Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Regatta 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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Harvest Regatta Blue
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Regatta Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-11; grown as an annual in cooler climates
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 7-14 days; small cotyledons emerge followed by true heart-shaped leaves
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light once sprouted. Nick seed coat or soak overnight to improve germination.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy, compact growth with multiple stems; heart-shaped leaves become more numerous
Pinch growing tips when 4-6 inches tall to encourage branching. Provide sturdy support or train as a cascade in hanging baskets. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Budding & First Flowers
1-2 weeksFlower buds appear at leaf axils; delicate sky-blue blooms with white throats open in morning, close by afternoon
Maintain consistent watering and full sun. Switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer to promote more blooms. Remove any spent flowers if desired.
Peak Bloom
6-8 weeks (or until frost)Plant is covered in abundant sky-blue flowers throughout the day; continuous blooming occurs from mid-summer through frost
Keep watering consistent. Deadheading is optional but can encourage more flower production. Maintain regular feeding schedule.
Decline & Frost Sensitivity
Variable (until first frost)Growth and flowering slow as temperatures cool; frost kills the plant (it's a tender annual)
Enjoy blooms until first frost. If desired, collect mature seed pods before frost for next season. Plant dies completely after frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days; encourage beneficial insects; yellow sticky traps
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water forcefully; use miticide if severe
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Spray with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; release ladybugs
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and
Remove by hand; set beer traps; use copper barriers around containers
Uses
Container & Landscape Ornamental
HouseholdPerfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, container gardens, and mixed flower beds. The compact, trailing habit and prolific sky-blue blooms brighten patios, balconies, and small garden spaces throughout summer and fall. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeMorning glory flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators. The abundant daily blooms provide consistent nectar and pollen sources during mid to late summer when other flowers may be waning. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftFresh morning glory flowers can be cut in early morning before they close and used in floral arrangements. They typically last one day but create stunning blue focal points in bouquets. [source]
Small-Space Gardening
HouseholdRegatta Blue's dwarf, compact habit makes it ideal for apartment dwellers, balcony gardens, and space-limited landscapes. It requires minimal staking and produces maximum visual impact in small containers. [source]
Harvest Tips
Regatta Blue is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvest. Enjoy blooms from morning through afternoon. Flowers typically close by late afternoon. For seed collection, allow mature green seed pods to dry on the plant before first frost, then cut and store in cool, dry location.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glory flowers are heliotropic, meaning they follow the sun and only open in sunny morning conditions, typically closing by afternoon heat.
- 🌱 Regatta Blue was specifically bred as a compact ornamental cultivar to address the tendency of standard morning glories to become vigorous, sprawling vines.
- 🌱 Morning glory seeds contain compounds that have been used traditionally in various cultures, though consumption is not recommended due to potential toxicity.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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