How to Grow Tall Morning Glory
Tall Morning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea
vineTall morning glory is a vigorous climbing vine that produces funnel-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, or blue that open in the morning and close by afternoon. It grows rapidly, reaching heights of 6-10 feet or more, making it ideal for covering trellises, fences, and arbors. This popular ornamental is an annual in most climates and self-seeds readily.
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Example Tall Morning Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tall 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 Tall Morning Glory
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 9-11
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Seed Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout and produce two cotyledons (seed leaves). First true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks.
Soak seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warm conditions (70-75°F). Seeds may take 7-14 days to germinate.
Seedling & Early Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops 4-6 true leaves and begins sending out a main vine. Growth is initially slow, then accelerates dramatically once temperatures warm.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Begin installing support structure (trellis, string, or stake). Keep soil evenly moist. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer to encourage strong growth.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid vine extension with abundant foliage. Plant produces long runners that quickly cover available support structure.
Guide vines onto support structure. Reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to avoid excess foliage at expense of flowers. Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Remove dead leaves or diseased portions.
Flowering
8-12 weeks until frostFunnel-shaped flowers appear in various colors (purple, pink, white, blue, bi-colored). Blooms open in early morning and close by afternoon; new buds appear daily.
Reduce nitrogen fertilization; apply low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote blooming. Water at soil level to avoid wetting flowers. Flowers appear continuously until frost.
Seed Production & End of Season
Until first frostAfter flowering, seed pods develop (small green spherical capsules that turn brown when mature). Plant declines with first frost in fall.
Allow some flowers to mature into seed pods if you want self-seeding next year, or deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Allow mature seed pods to dry on vine for seed collection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with neem oil; ensure adequate air circulation
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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and
Remove by hand; apply copper tape around supports; use beer traps
Uses
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftMorning glory blooms make charming cut flowers for small arrangements and floral designs. Pick stems in early morning and place immediately in water to enjoy blooms before they close. [source]
Natural Privacy Screen & Garden Trellis
HouseholdTall morning glories quickly cover vertical structures to create living screens, shade, and privacy barriers. Plant along fences, arbors, or trellises for rapid seasonal coverage. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Seeds provide food for birds in fall. [source]
Seed Collection & Propagation
CraftMorning glories self-seed readily, allowing gardeners to collect seed pods in fall for free seeds next year. Seeds remain viable for several years when stored properly. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, morning glory seeds have been used (though some varieties contain ergot alkaloids and should be used cautiously). Modern use is primarily ornamental rather than medicinal. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Morning glories are ornamental flowers, not typically harvested for food. Cut flowers in early morning when they open for fresh arrangements (they close by afternoon). To collect seeds, allow pods to remain on vine until brown and papery in fall, then remove and dry completely before storing in cool, dry location for next season's planting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glories earn their name because their flowers open in the early morning (typically 4-5 AM) and close by afternoon, completing their daily life cycle in a matter of hours.
- 🌱 These vines are prolific self-seeders and have naturalized in many regions; some gardeners consider them invasive if not managed, as they can spread aggressively year after year.
- 🌱 The flowers come in stunning bi-colored varieties with striped, spotted, or variegated patterns, and some cultivars have doubled (multi-petaled) flowers that look like small roses.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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