How to Plant Morning Glory Seeds in Pots

Morning glory is a vibrant, easy-to-grow plant that produces beautiful flowers. Growing these plants in pots is an excellent way to decorate your home and garden. If you want to learn how to plant morning glory seeds in pots, keep reading this guide.

Choose a Pot

Select a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant's growth. The pot should also have holes at the bottom for drainage. Morning glory prefers pots that are deep and have a good drainage system, so water won't collect and rot the roots.

Soil Preparation

Before planting morning glory seeds in pots, you need to prepare the soil. Start by selecting a well-draining potting mix. Morning glory prefers nutrient-rich soil, so add compost or organic matter to the potting mix.

Fill the pot with soil, allowing at least two inches of space at the top for watering. Tamp the soil down softly to create a firm surface, and water the soil lightly. Don't overwater or the seeds may rot.

Planting

When it comes to planting morning glory seeds, you have two options. You can either plant seeds directly in the soil, or you can start with seedlings. Both methods work, but planting seeds directly takes longer since you'll have to wait for germination.

If you choose to plant seeds directly, sow two or three seeds per pot at a depth of 1/4 inch. Cover the seeds with some soil, tamp down softly, and water gently afterward. After germination, thin seedlings to one plant per pot.

If you prefer to start with seedlings, make a small hole in the soil, and gently position the seedling inside the hole. Cover the seedling with soil, tamp down softly, and water it gently. Seedlings need to be spaced out at least 6 inches apart.

Sunlight and Watering

Morning glory requires approximately six hours of direct sunlight to grow correctly. Therefore, it's best to place the pot in a sunny spot, preferably with a southern aspect. Be mindful of high temperatures during hot weather and move the pots to a shaded area to avoid frying the plants.

Morning glory plants require consistent moisture, so water the soil in the pot often. The soil should be damp, but not soaking or waterlogged. As a general rule, morning glory needs around 1 inch of water per week. You should also allow the soil to dry out between watering intervals.

Care Tips

Here are some additional care tips to help your morning glory thrive:

Feed your plants with a slow-release fertilizer every six to eight weeks.

Pinch the climbing tendrils regularly to promote bushier growth instead of elongation.

Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent them from going to seed and taking over the garden.

Prune the plant in late fall or early winter to maintain its shape.

Watch out for pests and diseases, such as spider mites, aphids, or fungal diseases, and treat with neem oil or fungicide.

Conclusion

Planting morning glory seeds in pots is an easy and rewarding way to add color and charm to your home and garden. As long as you provide your plants with plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering, they're sure to thrive.