How to Soak Morning Glory Seeds

Morning glories bloom from early morning to mid-afternoon.

Not to be confused with the invasive, white flowers that take over a lawn, morning glories (pomea purpurea) are an annual trailing vine that produces large, round, blue and purple flowers. Trail them along a fence or trellis to block out the afternoon sun. Morning glories grow quickly even in dry, poor soil, but have a tough outer shell that makes germination difficult.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow bowl
• Vinegar
• Morning glory seeds
• Cup
• Tablespoon

Instructions

1. Pour a packet of morning glory seeds into the shallow bowl.

2. Add one cup of water and one tbsp. vinegar to the bowl.

3. Soak the seeds overnight to soften the outer shell, hastening germination.

4. Drain the water from the seeds before planting them.

Tips & Warnings

• Sow morning glory seeds in your garden in late spring after the last danger of frost is passed. Sow them shallowly a quarter inch deep in the soil. Lightly press the soil over them.

• Water morning glories regularly for fastest growth. Put your finger in the soil. It should feel evenly moist, but not soggy.

• Plant morning glories in a sunny location for best blooms.

• Morning glories can invade your garden. Plant them next to a sidewalk or in a container to control their growth and pull up any unwanted plants.

• Plant morning glories with the closely related moonflower (Impomoea alba). These white, fragrant flowers bloom in the evening when morning glories have closed.

• According to Kathie Hopkins, Master Gardener at Colorado State University Extension Office, morning glories are toxic to pets and should be planted with care if you have a dog or cat.

References

• National Gardening Association: Of Morning Glories and Moonvines
• Colorado State University Extension Office: Gardening With Dogs
• "The Garden Primer;" Barbara Damrosch; 1988

Resources

• National Gardening Association: Cultivating the Garden