Morning Glory is one of the most well-known annuals in the summer garden. Give them a structure to climb, like a trellis, arbor, fence or pergola, and they make a beautiful vertical accent.
This morning glory reaches 10 feet as a fast growing annual vine in USDA zones 3 - 10.
Ipomoea tricolor is a prolific bloomer, and this variety, Ismay, produces 3 - 4 inch light blue flowers with a center star of a darker blue. Morning Glory also has lovely foliage, deep green, heart-shaped leaves that provide the perfect back-drop for the blue blooms.
Hummingbirds will visit this annual often! Morning Glory seed has a hard seed coat. To improve germination, nick the seed with a knife and soak the seed overnight in tap water. Start the seeds directly outside in a sunny location. Space the plants about 9 - 12 inches apart, cover with ¼ inch of soil and keep the seed moist.
Sowing Rate: 6 - 8 seeds per foot. Germination is usually within 21 days. In areas with a late spring, the seed can be started indoors and transplanted outside when the seedlings have 2 - 3 leaves. Grow Morning Glory in full sun to partial shade. They will thrive even in poor soils. After the first hard frost of fall, remove the plant.