Morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) are beautiful, fast-growing vines known for their vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers and heart-shaped leaves. These climbing plants bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, and white, adding a stunning touch to any garden or balcony. While morning glories are commonly grown in the ground, they thrive just as well in containers, making them perfect for small spaces, patios, or urban gardens.
If you want to grow morning glories in pots or containers, this guide will take you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right container to ensuring abundant blooms.
Why Grow Morning Glories in Containers?
Growing morning glories in containers has several advantages:
🌿 Space-saving: Perfect for balconies, patios, and small gardens.
🌞 Easy to control: Prevents the plant from spreading too aggressively.
🎭 Decorative: Allows you to move the plant for better sunlight or display.
🚫 Pest management: Reduces the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases.
By following the proper steps, you can enjoy a lush, flowering vine climbing up trellises, railings, or even hanging gracefully from a pot.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Container
Morning glories have deep root systems, so selecting an appropriate container is essential for healthy growth.
✅ Size: Choose a container at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) wide to provide enough space for root development.
✅ Material: Use terracotta, ceramic, or plastic pots with good drainage. Avoid metal containers that overheat in the sun.
✅ Drainage: Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent root rot. You can add a layer of gravel at the bottom for extra drainage.
Step 2: Selecting the Best Soil
Morning glories prefer light, well-draining soil with good aeration.
✔ Use a potting mix rather than regular garden soil.
✔ A mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost works well.
✔ Add a small amount of sand to improve drainage.
Tip: Morning glories thrive in slightly poor soil. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth with fewer flowers.
Step 3: Planting Morning Glory Seeds
Morning glory seeds have a hard outer shell, so preparing them before planting will increase germination rates.
1. Prepare the Seeds
👉 Scarify the seeds: Rub them lightly with sandpaper or a nail file.
👉 Soak overnight: Place the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting.
2. Planting
🌱 Sow seeds ½ inch (1.25 cm) deep into the soil.
🌱 Space the seeds 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) apart if planting multiple seeds in the same pot.
🌱 Water lightly to moisten the soil, but don’t overwater.
Tip: If you’re growing morning glories in colder climates, start the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them later.
Step 4: Providing Proper Sunlight and Temperature
Morning glories are sun-loving plants and require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
☀ Place containers in a sunny location, such as a south-facing balcony, patio, or windowsill.
🔥 Ideal growing temperatures range between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
❄ Morning glories are sensitive to cold, so bring them indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Step 5: Watering and Fertilizing
Morning glories are relatively low-maintenance, but proper watering is crucial.
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