How to Grow Scarlet O'Hara
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Scarlet O'Hara
Ipomoea × multifida
vineScarlet O'Hara is a vigorous ornamental morning glory vine known for its brilliant scarlet-red trumpet flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This heat-loving annual climber can reach 8-10 feet in a single season and is excellent for trellises, arbors, and fences. The flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon, creating a dynamic display of color.
When should you plant Scarlet O'Hara in your zone?
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Example Scarlet O'Hara timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet O'Hara
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 O'Hara
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet O'Hara dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; best performance in zones 6-10
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Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout within 7-14 days in warm soil. Heart-shaped cotyledons emerge, followed by true leaves with palmate (hand-shaped) lobing.
Soak seeds overnight or scarify lightly to improve germination. Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light once sprouted.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVine rapidly produces vining stems with deeply lobed or palmate foliage. Growth is vigorous during warm weather with multiple stems emerging from the base.
Provide sturdy support structure early. Pinch tips when young to encourage branching. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Budding & Flowering Initiation
1-2 weeks before flowering beginsFlower buds appear in the leaf axils as days lengthen and temperatures warm. Buds are tightly coiled before opening.
Ensure consistent sunlight and avoid overwatering. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms. Support vines as they become heavier with growth.
Peak Flowering
6-10 weeks or until frostSpectacular display of 2-3 inch scarlet-red trumpet flowers opens in early morning and closes by afternoon or evening. Multiple flowers open daily on vigorous vines.
Maintain consistent watering schedule. Monitor for pests, as healthy plants are sometimes targeted. Deadhead to extend blooming. Continue light feeding with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Seed Production & End of Season
Until first frostIf flowers are not deadheaded, seed pods develop containing hard, dark seeds. Plant senesces with first frost or when temperatures drop below 50°F.
Allow some flowers to set seed if you want to collect seeds for next year. Let pods dry on the vine before collecting. Plant is killed by frost; remove and compost at season's end.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Avoid Japanese beetle traps near plantings.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Ensure adequate watering.
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Monitor undersides of leaves. Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly as needed.
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Remove by hand, especially at night. Create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth. Beer traps can be effective.
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryMorning glory flowers are edible and can be used as a striking garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails. The vibrant scarlet color adds visual appeal and delicate flavor to culinary presentations. [source]
Traditional Medicine Uses
MedicinalVarious morning glory species have been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to support digestive health and circulation. Seeds contain ergot alkaloids with psychoactive properties historically used ceremonially. [source]
Garden Screen & Privacy
HouseholdThe vigorous growth and dense foliage of Scarlet O'Hara makes it ideal for creating natural privacy screens, screening unsightly areas, or providing shade on structures like pergolas and trellises. [source]
Fresh Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftScarlet trumpet flowers make striking additions to morning-picked floral arrangements and bouquets, offering bold color and unique form. Cut stems early when blooms are freshly opened for maximum impact. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe abundant scarlet flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinating insects, making Scarlet O'Hara an excellent choice for supporting beneficial garden wildlife throughout the season. [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 O'Hara is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest in the traditional sense. Enjoy flowers in the garden or cut fresh sprays early in the morning while blooms are open (they close by afternoon). For seed collection, allow a few flowers to go to seed, then let pods dry on the vine until papery. Collect pods before frost and store seeds in a cool, dry place for next season's planting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet O'Hara is named after the protagonist of 'Gone with the Wind,' reflecting the flower's dramatic scarlet color and Southern garden popularity.
- 🌱 Morning glories close their flowers in the afternoon not because they wilt, but because the petals fold inward—a daily rhythm called nyctinasty that protects pollen from nighttime moisture.
- 🌱 A single Scarlet O'Hara vine can produce hundreds of flowers throughout the season, and in warm climates it can grow up to 10 feet in just a few months from a tiny seed.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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