How to Grow Rocket Bicolor Mix

iNaturalist

Rocket Bicolor Mix

Ipomoea × multifida

flower

Rocket Bicolor Mix is a hybrid morning glory variety prized for its stunning two-tone trumpet flowers in contrasting color combinations. These vigorous climbing vines produce abundant blooms throughout the growing season and are perfect for trellises, arbors, and garden structures. The bicolor patterns create a striking visual display with flowers opening in the morning and closing by afternoon.

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Example Rocket Bicolor Mix timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Rocket Bicolor Mix
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Rocket Bicolor Mix blooms
Around Jun 6

≈ 50 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rocket Bicolor Mix dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (minimum 6 hours for best blooming)

💧

Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times weekly depending on rainfall and temperature. Reduce watering slightly once established as morning glories are somewhat drought-tolerant.

📏

Spacing: 12-18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 50-70 days to first blooms

🌱

Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coco coir Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 9-11

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seed Germination & Seedling

7-14 days germination, 2-3 weeks to true leaves

Seeds sprout within 7-14 days under warm conditions (70-80°F). Seedlings develop two cotyledons followed by the first true leaves.

Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours or scarify lightly to improve germination. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after soil warms. Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Seedlings develop rapidly, producing multiple vining stems with heart-shaped leaves. Plant grows vigorously and begins climbing when provided support.

Provide climbing support early (trellis, stakes, or arbor). Fertilize weekly with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or low-nitrogen formula to encourage flowering. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.

Bud Formation & First Blooms

1-2 weeks

Terminal buds develop at the vine tips, swelling as flower buds mature. First trumpet flowers appear, typically in the morning.

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer and increase phosphorus/potassium to boost flowering. Maintain consistent moisture. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Full Flowering

8-12 weeks

Plant produces abundant bicolor trumpet flowers daily, with flowers opening at dawn and closing by afternoon. New buds continuously develop along the vines.

Deadheading is not necessary as flowers are naturally short-lived. Continue watering consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks to maintain vigor. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent disease.

Seed Development & End of Season

4-8 weeks until frost

After flowering, small round seed pods develop. In frost-free areas, vines may continue blooming. Frost terminates the plant in zones 3-8.

Collect seed pods for next year before frost. Allow pods to dry on the vine. Cut back vines after frost. In zones 9-11, vines may overwinter; prune back for next season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Zinnias Cosmos Sunflowers Black-eyed Susans Marigolds Basil Borage

Avoid planting near:

Beans Peas Fennel Kochia

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity around plants.
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Hand-pick beetles in early morning. Use pheromone traps away from plants. Apply neem oil as a deterrent.
Spray with strong water stream. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings.
Improve air circulation. Spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate solution. Remove affected foliage.

Uses

🍳

Ornamental garnish

Culinary

Morning glory flowers are occasionally used as an edible garnish for specialty dishes and cocktails, adding visual appeal with their striking bicolor trumpet form. [source]

🎨

Fresh and dried flower arrangements

Craft

The vibrant bicolor flowers make excellent fresh-cut blooms for morning arrangements (though they close midday) and can be pressed or dried for craft projects. [source]

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Living garden structures

Household

Rocket Bicolor Mix rapidly covers trellises, arbors, fences, and pergolas, creating living walls and shade screens that add natural beauty and cooling effects to patios and gardens. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The abundant morning glory flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting beneficial insect populations. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

Some Ipomoea species have been used in traditional medicine; however, most morning glories contain ergot-like compounds and should not be ingested without expert guidance. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Rocket Bicolor Mix is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Enjoy fresh-cut blooms early in the morning when flowers first open for the longest vase life (though they will close within hours). For seed saving, allow pods to fully mature and dry on the vine, then collect before frost. Store dried seeds in cool, dry conditions for next season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Morning glories earned their common name because their flowers reliably open at dawn and typically close by early afternoon, following a circadian rhythm triggered by light exposure.
🌱 Rocket Bicolor Mix flowers produce distinct two-tone color combinations (such as red and white, or blue and white striped patterns) within single trumpet blooms, creating a striking 'rocket' appearance.
🌱 Morning glories are among the fastest-growing vines, capable of climbing 10 feet or more in a single season, making them excellent choices for quick screening and summer shade solutions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Direct Sow Full Sun Germination Hybrid Mulch pH Trellis True Leaves

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