How to Grow Scarlet Morning Glory
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Scarlet Morning Glory
Ipomoea coccinea
vineScarlet morning glory is a tender annual climbing vine native to tropical Americas, prized for its vibrant scarlet-red tubular flowers that open in the morning. The plant produces heart-shaped leaves and grows rapidly, making it excellent for covering trellises, arbors, and fences. It thrives in warm weather and blooms prolifically from summer through fall.
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Example Scarlet Morning Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Morning Glory
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 Scarlet Morning Glory
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Morning Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 3-9; perennial in zones 10-11
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with first set of true leaves emerging; cotyledons visible initially
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid vine extension with heart-shaped leaves developing along stems; no flowers yet
Provide sturdy support structure early. Water regularly. Pinch tips if excessive vegetative growth occurs without flowering.
Flowering Initiation
1-2 weeksFlower buds form at leaf axils; plant may temporarily slow vine growth
Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over foliage.
Peak Flowering
6-10 weeksAbundant scarlet tubular flowers open in morning, closing by afternoon; continuous bloom cycle
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Maintain regular watering schedule. Apply diluted balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Seed Production & Maturation
Continues until frostFlowers fade and are replaced by small rounded seed capsules; flowering continues in favorable conditions
Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want self-seeding next year. Allow seed pods to mature and dry on vine before collecting.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, use pheromone traps, apply neem oil or spinosad if severe
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Increase humidity with misting, spray with water forcefully, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects
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Spray with water jet, apply insecticidal soap, use ladybug-friendly plants nearby
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, apply copper fungicide if needed
Uses
Vertical Garden Structure
HouseholdScarlet morning glory is ideal for creating living screens, covering bare walls, and adding vertical color to gardens. Its rapid growth makes it perfect for quickly establishing privacy or aesthetic appeal on trellises and arbors. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe bright scarlet flowers attract hummingbirds and various bee species, providing important nectar sources during summer and fall months. Morning glories are valuable components of pollinator-friendly garden designs. [source]
Cut Flower Display
CraftWhile individual flowers are short-lived, the vines with attached flowers can be cut and arranged in vases in early morning when blooms are fresh. The attractive foliage adds texture to fresh arrangements. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, Ipomoea coccinea has been used in herbal preparations, though modern scientific validation is limited. Seeds contain alkaloids that have been studied for various properties. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe flowers are technically edible and can be used as decorative garnish in salads or desserts, though they are not commonly consumed. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Scarlet morning glory is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Enjoy flowers fresh on the vine in morning hours. For seed collection, allow seed pods to fully dry on the vine (usually by late fall), then harvest and store in cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet morning glory flowers open precisely in early morning hours and close by afternoon, following a circadian rhythm independent of light levels—a phenomenon that has fascinated botanists for centuries.
- 🌱 The vine's seeds are naturally hard-coated and benefit from scarification or soaking before planting, mimicking the wear and moisture conditions they would experience in nature before germinating.
- 🌱 In some regions, scarlet morning glory has naturalized and become semi-invasive, growing vigorously in warm climates where it can provide extensive ground coverage and reseed prolifically.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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