Scarlet O'Hara Morning Glory Seeds

Morning Glory Scarlet O’Hara is a pleasant, colourful addition to any garden. The climbing plant produces large 3-4’’ silky flowers of a vibrant crimson red. This tender annual is native to the tropical regions of South America, so this is a late bloomer that prefers warmer weather. Scarlet O’Hara will reward you with an abundance of stunning cherry-red flowers that last only one day but are quickly replaced by many more. A true hummingbird magnet.

- Latin Name: Ipomoea nil
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 100
- Planting Depth: 2-3 seeds 1 cm deep
- Plant Spacing: 30-90 cm
- Growth Habit: Vine

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Morning glories, a favourite of many gardeners, have the ability to climb with strong vines and tendrils. Stunningly symmetrical flowers pop open to greet the sun. The blossoms are fragrant, colourful and attract welcome garden guests like butterflies and hummingbirds. When provided ideal conditions and location, morning glories can be a highlight in the garden from summer to fall. The vigorous vines can be trained to climb fences, arches, trellises or left to take over a space as a thick groundcover.

Morning glories self-seed readily, are drought tolerant and can grow up to 3 meters in a single season. Take all of these factors into consideration when deciding where to plant. Try to use the sunniest site available. Morning glories do best in full sun and will only bloom when exposed to direct sunlight.

Fertile, well-drained soil will promote the growth of lush foliage, leading to an abundance of blossoms. The designated spot for your morning glories should also be protected from strong wind gusts. Give the vines something to climb to maximize the brisk and robust growth, as well as to prevent morning glories from choking out or smothering other plants on the ground. 

Morning glory seeds benefit from scarification. For morning glories, rub the seeds with sandpaper to file down the tough exterior and then soak them in water overnight. This will help the seeds to absorb water easily after planting. 

Start seeds indoors up to one month before the last frost date, or sow them directly into the garden when soil reaches 18 degrees and can be worked easily in the spring. Sow seeds 5 mm deep and space 5-7 cm apart in flats. If sown directly in rows, space seeds 15 cm apart. Water the seeds well and keep them moist through the germination process.

Morning glories, once established, are very low maintenance. They don’t need to be deadheaded or pruned. Water regularly and they should be blooming by mid-summer. The vining flowers require about 3 cm of water per week. Mulch around the base of the plants to protect the roots and retain moisture.

Morning glories can withstand both hot and cold temperatures. They may even survive the first frost and continue to blossom. In cold regions, grow them as an annual that will die back in winter. But at the end of a successful season, expect to find seeds that can be collected or left to propagate next year’s flowers. 

QUICK FACTS

- The oldest records of morning glory cultivation come from Ancient China and South America, where it was first used for medicinal and spiritual purposes.

- During Victorian times, it was recognized as a symbol of love and affection.

- There are countless paintings, murals, and tales of morning glory flowers over the course of history.

- Morning glory seeds will remain viable for 5 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.