When to Plant Morning Glories
Fast-growing climbing vine producing trumpet-shaped flowers that open each morning. Covers trellises, fences, and mailboxes in one season.
The Short Answer
How to Grow Morning Glories
Morning glories are the easiest way to cover an ugly fence, mailbox, or shed in one growing season — vines can reach 10+ feet in a single summer. Each flower opens at dawn and closes by afternoon, replaced by new blooms the next morning. Nick or soak seeds overnight for faster germination. Don't fertilize — nitrogen produces luxuriant foliage with few flowers. Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue' is the iconic variety. Warning: morning glories self-seed aggressively in warm climates and can become invasive. In cold zones, they're well-behaved annuals killed by first frost.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Begin morning glories seeds indoors 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 60°F to germinate, which typically takes 5-10 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.
Transplanting
Move seedlings outside 1 weeks after your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 60°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Direct Sowing
Morning Glories can be direct sown 1 weeks after your last frost date. Plant seeds 0.5" deep, spaced 12" apart.
Growing Tips
Nick or soak seeds overnight for faster germination. Don't fertilize — rich soil produces leaves, not flowers. Heavenly Blue is the classic variety. Self-seeds aggressively — can become weedy in warm climates.
Companion Planting
Good companions:
Morning Glories Planting Dates by State
Click your state for morning glories planting dates specific to your location:
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026