How to Grow Tradewinds Purple
Wikimedia Commons
Tradewinds Purple
Ipomoea tricolor 'Tradewinds Purple'
vineTradewinds Purple is a compact, bushy morning glory cultivar bred for container and landscape gardens. It produces abundant purple-blue flowers with white centers throughout the growing season. Unlike traditional morning glories, this variety is more manageable in size and ideal for smaller spaces.
When should you plant Tradewinds Purple in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Tradewinds Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Tradewinds Purple
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Tradewinds Purple
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tradewinds Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 9-11
Sign up free to see if Tradewinds Purple grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Tradewinds Purple timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves developing. Cotyledons are heart-shaped.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksBushy plant with multiple stems branching out. Leaves are heart-shaped, medium green, and densely packed.
Water moderately. Pinch back growing tips early on to encourage bushier growth and more flower buds. No fertilizer needed if soil is amended.
Budding
1-2 weeksPurple buds forming along stem tips. Plant becomes increasingly compact and full.
Maintain consistent watering schedule. Full sun is critical at this stage. Avoid excess nitrogen which delays flowering.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (until frost in cold climates)Abundant purple-blue flowers with white throat centers open in early morning. Flowers typically close by afternoon on hot days.
Water deeply but less frequently. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming. Maintain full sun exposure.
Seed Production
2-3 weeks per seed setFlowers fade and small round seed pods develop. Plant may slow flowering if seeds are allowed to mature.
Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming season. Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want to save seeds for next year.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray foliage with water to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Ensure adequate humidity.
-
Yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
-
Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil for severe infestations.
-
Hand-pick early morning. Use Japanese beetle traps away from plants. Apply spinosad or pyrethrin if needed.
-
Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Uses
Ornamental Container & Garden Beauty
HouseholdTradewinds Purple is ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens where its compact growth habit shines. The vibrant purple-blue flowers with contrasting white centers provide continuous color from early summer through frost. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. These insects play a crucial role in maintaining healthy garden ecosystems. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryMorning glory flowers are technically edible and can be used as a delicate, mildly sweet garnish for salads or desserts. However, some Ipomoea species contain compounds that may cause digestive upset, so consumption should be limited and verified safe for the specific cultivar. [source]
Traditional Medicine Use
MedicinalMorning glory seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Mexican folk medicine, though modern research suggests caution due to ergot alkaloid compounds present in some species. Always consult healthcare providers before medicinal use. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Design
CraftWhile morning glory flowers close in afternoon heat, they can be used in early morning bouquets and floral arrangements. Their delicate appearance and vibrant color make them attractive for fresh flower displays. [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 grown primarily for flowers, not harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. If saving seeds, allow a few flowers to mature into seed pods in late summer. Harvest mature seed pods (they'll turn brown and papery) and dry completely before collecting seeds for next year's planting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Morning glories earned their name because their flowers reliably open in the early morning hours and close by afternoon, creating a daily cycle of blooming. On cloudy days, flowers may stay open longer.
- 🌱 Tradewinds Purple is a cultivar specifically bred from tropical Ipomoea tricolor to create a more compact, container-friendly plant compared to vigorous climbing varieties that can reach 15+ feet.
- 🌱 Morning glory flowers have been used as natural dyes in textile traditions across Central America and Asia for centuries, producing indigo-like blues and purples.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Tradewinds Purple planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Tradewinds Purple seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Tradewinds Purple timeline →