Morning Glories and Moonflowers

There’s
something magical about morning glories and moonflowers. Their beautiful
green leaves climb and climb, while their blooms come and go with the
rising of the sun or the fall of darkness. Cousins of sweet potatoes,
these climbers will extend their tendrils to whatever is available –
trellis, fence, or post. They can reach six feet (or taller!) with blooms
that are about 3-4 inches in diameter for morning glories, 6-8 inches
for moonflowers. While moonflowers have only white blooms, morning glories
can be found with bloom colors ranging from red to fuschia to purple.
Both types of flowers are definite child-pleasers as they are easy to
grow and fun to observe.

Growing Tips

Common morning
glories and moonflowers, both from the Convolvulaceae family and Ipomoea
genus, originated in tropical regions and will grow best in similar
conditions. Seeds should be planted outdoors after the last frost –
if planted in cold, damp soil, the seeds will rot. Sow the seeds 1/2
inch deep. They can also be started indoors, one month before planting
time. The seedcoats are tough, so nick or file the tough overcoat and
soak overnight before planting. For transplanting, morning glories and
moonflowers will do best if started in peat pots, as this will eliminate
root disturbance. When planted outdoors, plants should be spaced 10-12
inches apart.

Morning glories and moonflowers will thrive in the summer heat. The
only maintenance necessary is the occasional deadheading of spent blooms
to prevent seeding and to encourage new bloom production. They will
continue to grow and bloom until the first frost. Though morning glories
and moonflowers are annuals, they have been known to reseed themselves
and make an appearance in next-year’s garden.