Morning Glory In Hanging Basket

There’s few sights more cheerful than a morning glory in hanging basket blooming with vibrant colors. These fast-growing vines create a stunning cascade of flowers that can brighten any porch or patio. With the right care, you can enjoy their spectacular show from summer right through to the first frost.

This guide gives you all the practical steps you need. We’ll cover choosing the right basket, planting, daily care, and solving common problems. Let’s get your hanging display thriving.

Morning glories are perfect for hanging containers. Their twining stems naturally spill over the edges, creating a lush, flowering curtain. The key to success is understanding their simple but specific needs.

They love sunshine and need consistent moisture. A good start leads to months of easy, rewarding growth.

Choosing Your Basket and Soil

Start with a strong foundation. Your choice of container and potting mix makes a huge difference.

Basket Size: Pick a basket at least 12 inches in diameter and depth. Morning glories grow extensive roots and need room. A larger basket also dries out less quickly.
Material: Plastic-lined woven baskets or solid plastic pots work well. Ensure they have multiple drainage holes. Terracotta dries out to fast for these thirsty plants.
Soil is Critical: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Do not use garden soil, which compacts in containers. A mix for containers or hanging baskets is ideal.
Prepping the Basket: Fill the basket with soil, leaving about 2 inches from the top. This space helps hold water when you irrigate.

Selecting the Best Morning Glory Varieties

Some types are better suited for hanging growth than others. Look for varieties known for prolific flowering and trailing habits.

‘Heavenly Blue’: The classic sky-blue bloom with a white throat.
‘Grandpa Ott’s’: Deep purple flowers with a vibrant pink star inside.
‘Crimson Rambler’: A stunning solid red that really pops.
‘Moonflower’: For evening interest, this variety offers large, fragrant white blooms that open at dusk.

You can often find mixed seed packets for a rainbow of color. Check if the variety is a vigorous grower; thats what you want for a basket.

Planting Your Basket: Seeds vs. Seedlings

You can start from seeds directly in the basket or begin with young plants. Each method has it’s benefits.

Starting from Seeds

Morning glory seeds have a hard coat. For better germination, nick the seed coat with a file or soak them in warm water for 24 hours before planting.

Plant 4-6 pre-soaked seeds about 1/2 inch deep in your prepared basket.
Water gently but thoroughly.
Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge in 7-14 days.
Once seedlings have a few sets of leaves, thin to the 2-3 strongest plants.

Using Potted Seedlings

This gives you a faster start. You can find seedlings at garden centers in spring.

Gently remove the young plant from its nursery pot.
Dig a hole in your basket soil the same size as the root ball.
Place the seedling in, fill around it with soil, and firm gently.
Space 2-3 seedlings evenly around the basket.

Water immediatly after planting, whichever method you choose.

The Perfect Location: Sun and Shelter

Location is non-negotiable for the best bloom. Morning glories need full sun to produce those vibrant colors.

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun equals more flowers.
Shelter: Hang your basket in a spot protected from strong, damaging winds. A porch eave or a sheltered wall is perfect.
Temperature: They thrive in warm weather. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before hanging your basket outside permanently.

Daily and Weekly Care Routine

Consistent care keeps your display lush and flowering. It’s simpler than you might think.

Watering Needs

This is the most important task. Hanging baskets dry out very quickly, especially in summer heat.

Check soil moisture daily. Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water deeply until you see it running out the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root zone is moistened.
In peak summer, you may need to water twice a day. Evening watering helps the plant recover from the day’s heat.

Feeding for Fantastic Flowers

Potting soil nutrients get used up quickly. Regular feeding supports all that growth and blooming.

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) every two weeks.
Alternatively, use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (the middle number) to encourage even more blooms.
Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label to avoid over-feeding, which can harm roots.

Pruning and Training

A little guidance helps your basket look it’s best.

As vines grow, gently weave them through the basket sides to encourage a full, trailing shape.
Pinch off the very tips of vines if you want a bushier plant with more branching.
Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy and looking tidy.

Don’t be afraid to trim long vines if they become to leggy. This often prompts new growth.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with great care, small issues can arise. Here’s how to fix them.

Yellowing Leaves

This is often a sign of over-watering or under-watering. Check your soil moisture habit first. Yellow leaves can also indicate a need for fertilizer.

Lots of Leaves, Few Flowers

This usually means to much nitrogen fertilizer or not enough sun. Switch to a bloom-booster fertilizer and ensure the basket gets those 8 hours of light.

Pests: Aphids and Spider Mites

These small insects sometimes appear. A strong spray of water from a hose can dislodge them. For persistent issues, use a mild insecticidal soap spray, following the directions carefully.

FAQ: Your Morning Glory Basket Questions

Are morning glories perennials in hanging baskets?

They are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season. In frost-free climates, they may act as perennials, but most gardeners replant each spring for the best display.

Why do the flowers close in the afternoon?

This is completely normal! Morning glory blooms open in the early sun and often close by mid-afternoon. Each flower lasts just one day, but the plant produces many new buds.

Can I save seeds from my hanging basket morning glories?

Yes. Let a few spent flowers turn into brown, dry seed pods. Collect the pods, open them, and store the hard black seeds in a paper envelope in a cool, dry place for planting next year.

How do I get more vibrant colors from my blooms?

Maximum sun, adequate water, and regular feeding with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer are the secrets to the most intense flower color. Stress from drought or poor soil leads to paler blooms.

End of Season Care

After the first frost, your morning glory vines will blacken and die. You can then compost the plant material. If you used a non-biodegradable basket, clean it well with a mild bleach solution to remove any disease spores before storing it for winter. This prep work makes next year’s planting even easier.

Growing a morning glory in hanging basket is a rewarding project. The daily reward of those vibrant, fresh blooms is worth the simple care. With plenty of sun, consistent water, and occasional food, you’ll have a beautiful floral display that lifts your spirits every single morning.