Morning Glory Plant Seeds:
Guide to Storing, Sowing and Germination

Morning glory plants are beautiful and vibrant additions to any garden or landscape. With their large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, they can instantly brighten up any space. If you want to grow morning glory plants from seeds, it is important to know how to properly store, sow, and germinate the seeds. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow morning glory plants from seed.

Storing Morning Glory Plant Seeds

Storing morning glory plant seeds properly is essential to ensure their viability. Here are a few steps to follow when storing morning glory plant seeds:

1. Harvesting: The first step in storing morning glory plant seeds is to harvest them at the right time. Wait until the seed pods have turned brown and dried out on the vine. This indicates that the seeds are mature and ready for harvesting.

2. Extraction: Once the seed pods have dried out, gently twist or cut them off the vine. Open the seed pods and collect the seeds. Morning glory seeds are small and dark-colored, resembling small pebbles.

3. Cleaning: To remove any debris or remaining parts of the seed pod, you can use a fine-mesh strainer or sieve. Gently rinse the seeds under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

4. Drying: After cleaning, lay the seeds on a clean paper towel or a plate lined with parchment paper. Allow them to air dry completely in a cool, dry place for about a week. Make sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity during this time.

5. Storage: Once the seeds are completely dry, transfer them into an airtight container such as a glass jar or a resealable plastic bag. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing morning glory seeds is between 40-50°F (4-10°C).

By following these steps, you can store morning glory plant seeds for up to three years without significant loss of viability.

Sowing Morning Glory Plant Seeds

Sowing morning glory plant seeds is relatively easy and can be done directly in the ground or in containers. Here’s how to sow morning glory plant seeds:

1. Choosing the Location: Morning glory plants thrive in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-draining soil.

2. Preparing the Soil: Before sowing the seeds, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and loosening it with a garden fork or a tiller. Add organic matter such as compost to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.

3. Sowing Depth: Morning glory seeds should be sown about ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep into the soil. Space the seeds about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart to allow room for growth.

4. Watering: After sowing the seeds, water the soil gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs.

5. Germination Time: Morning glory seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days, but it can take longer in cooler temperatures. Be patient and continue to provide adequate moisture during this time.

Germinating Morning Glory Plant Seeds

Germinating morning glory plant seeds can be a bit tricky due to their hard seed coat. To help with the germination process, you can follow these steps:

1. Scarification: Morning glory seeds have a hard seed coat that can prevent water from entering and initiating germination. To overcome this, you can gently nick or file a small portion of the seed coat with a nail file or sandpaper. This process is known as scarification and helps to break the seed dormancy.

2. Soaking: After scarification, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. This will further soften the seed coat and promote germination.

3. Planting: Once the seeds have been scarified and soaked, plant them following the same steps mentioned earlier for sowing morning glory seeds. Make sure to plant them immediately after soaking, as they can quickly dry out if left exposed.

4. Providing Warmth: To encourage germination, provide warmth by placing the planted seeds in a warm location or using a heat mat set to around 70-75°F (21-24°C). This will help speed up the germination process.

5. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into their final growing location. Be gentle when handling the seedlings, as morning glory plants have delicate roots.

By following these steps, you can successfully germinate morning glory plant seeds and ensure healthy growth of your morning glory plants.

Morning glory plants are not only beautiful but also relatively easy to grow from seed. By properly storing, sowing, and germinating morning glory plant seeds, you can enjoy these stunning flowers in your garden or landscape. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant display of colors and a touch of natural beauty!