Purple Morning Glory

About

These are young seedlings of a Morning Glory plant. The characteristic heart-shaped cotyledons (seed leaves) are clearly visible, along with the initial true leaves which are starting to unfurl. The stems are thin and reddish-brown. Morning glories are fast-growing annual or perennial vines known for their trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning and close by the afternoon. They come in a wide variety of colors, including blues, purples, pinks, and whites, often with contrasting centers.

Planting

Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, or directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds have a hard coat and benefit from scarification (lightly scratching the seed coat) or soaking in warm water overnight before planting. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart. For indoor starting, use small pots or seed trays. Once seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into their permanent location, spacing them 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.

Care

Morning glories thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. They are vining plants and will need support such as a trellis, fence, or netting to climb. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. They generally do not require heavy fertilization; too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Deadheading is not typically necessary as they produce many flowers. Watch out for pests like aphids and spider mites.