If you’re planning your garden, you might be wondering what time of year do morning glories bloom. These classic climbers are a summer staple, but their exact timing depends on your local climate and a few simple growing conditions. Getting this right means you can enjoy their vibrant trumpet flowers for months.
Morning glories are true warm-season annuals. They thrive in heat and will reward you with a spectacular display of color from early summer straight through until the first frost arrives in autumn. Let’s look at how to make the most of their long blooming season.
What Time Of Year Do Morning Glories Bloom
For most gardeners, the core blooming period for morning glories is summer into fall. They need consistently warm soil and air temperatures to really take off. Planting them to early in cool spring soil will lead to poor germination or stunted growth.
The sequence typically goes like this: You sow seeds or plant seedlings after the last spring frost. The vines grow quickly through late spring and early summer. Then, as the days get long and hot, the first flower buds begin to form. Your main flush of blooms will appear in mid-summer and continue non-stop if the plants are happy.
How Temperature and Sun Dictate the Schedule
Morning glories are sun worshippers. They require full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily—to produce their characteristic blooms. In shady spots, you’ll get lots of leaves but few, if any, flowers.
Temperature is the other key factor. They prefer daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Nighttime temperatures should stay above 50°F (10°C). When a fall frost hits, it will quickly end the blooming season and kill the plants, as they are not frost-tolerant at all.
Regional Bloom Time Variations
Your specific location will shift the calendar slightly. Here’s a general guide:
- Southern/Warm Climates (Zones 9-11): Here, morning glories can be planted earlier and will often bloom from late spring through fall, sometimes even acting as a short-lived perennial.
- Temperate Climates (Zones 6-8): This is the classic schedule. Plant after Mother’s Day, with blooms starting in early to mid-July and lasting until October’s frost.
- Northern/Cooler Climates (Zones 3-5): The growing season is shorter. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost to get a head start. Expect blooms from mid-summer until the early fall frost.
Getting Your Morning Glories to Bloom Sooner and Longer
You can influence the bloom time and duration with smart gardening practices. The goal is to create the ideal environment for vigorous growth.
1. The Right Start: Seed Preparation and Planting Time
Morning glory seeds have a hard coat. To speed up germination and get blooms faster, you need to soften the seed coat. Here’s how:
- File or nick the seed coat gently with a nail file or knife.
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 12-24 hours until they swell.
- Plant immediately in warm soil (at least 65°F).
Wait to plant outdoors until all danger of frost has passed and the soil is genuinely warm. Patience here pays off with healthier plants.
2. Perfect Placement and Soil Needs
Choose the sunniest spot in your garden. These vines will scramble up trellises, fences, or arbors with gusto. The soil should be well-draining; they don’t like wet feet. A moderate-fertility soil is best. Avoid soil that is too rich in nitrogen, as this encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
3. Watering and Feeding for Maximum Flowers
Water regularly, especially when young, to help establish roots. Once established, morning glories are somewhat drought-tolerant but will bloom best with consistent moisture. A balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season is plenty. Over-fertilizing is a common mistake that reduces flowering.
4. The Deadheading Debate
Morning glories generally do not require deadheading (removing spent flowers) to keep blooming. Each flower opens for just one morning, then closes and fades. However, if you want to prevent self-seeding—which can be aggressive—you should remove the faded flowers before they form seed pods. This can also encourage the plant to put a little more energy into new blooms.
Troubleshooting: Why Aren’t My Morning Glories Blooming?
If it’s mid-summer and you have no flowers, a few common issues could be the cause.
- Too Much Nitrogen: This is the #1 reason. Lush, green vines with no flowers signal excess nitrogen. Switch to a bloom-booster fertilizer (higher in phosphorus).
- Not Enough Sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sun will severely limit flowering. Consider transplanting to a sunnier location next season.
- Overwatering: Constantly soggy soil stresses the plant and can cause root rot, halting flower production.
- Planted Too Early: If stunted by cold early on, plants may be delayed and never quite catch up.
Popular Varieties and Their Slight Seasonal Differences
While all morning glories bloom in warm weather, some cultivars may start a touch earlier or later. Here are a few favorites:
- ‘Heavenly Blue’: The classic sky-blue bloomer. It’s a reliable mid-summer starter.
- ‘Scarlett O’Hara’: Vibrant red flowers. Sometimes takes a bit more heat to initiate blooming.
- ‘Grandpa Ott’s’: Deep purple with a pink star. Known for its vigor and early flowering.
- ‘Moonflower’ (Ipomoea alba): A night-blooming cousin with white flowers. It often begins blooming a little later in the summer.
Extending the Bloom Season into Fall
To keep the show going as long as possible, ensure your plants are healthy and stress-free going into late summer. Maintain consistent watering during dry spells. A light application of a phosphorus-rich fertilizer in late August can support final flower production. Protect the roots with a layer of mulch to keep soil temperature even as nights begin to cool.
Remember, the first hard frost is the definitive end. If a light frost is forecasted, covering the plants with a sheet might buy you a few extra mornings of glory.
FAQ: Your Morning Glory Bloom Questions Answered
Do morning glories bloom all summer?
Yes, once they begin in early to mid-summer, healthy morning glories will bloom continuously until killed by frost in the fall.
What month do morning glories usually bloom?
For most temperate regions, the initial bloom typically begins in July. Peak blooming occurs in August and September.
Can you get morning glories to bloom twice?
They don’t bloom in two distinct flushes; it’s one continuous period. However, if blooming slows, correcting issues like poor nutrition or drought can trigger a renewed surge of flowers.
Why do my morning glories only bloom in the morning?
It’s in their name! Each individual flower opens in the early morning sun and usually closes by afternoon. This is a natural trait, not a problem. New flowers will open the next day.
How long after planting do morning glories bloom?
From seed, expect about 60 to 90 days to first bloom, depending on the variety and conditions. From nursery transplants, blooming may begin within a few weeks if the plant was already mature.
Understanding what time of year do morning glories bloom helps you plan a garden that’s filled with color when you need it most. By providing ample sun, warmth, and avoiding over-feeding, you’ll set the stage for a spectacular summer-long performance. Their reliable, vibrant display is one of the great joys of the warm gardening season, offering a daily welcome from the moment they open with the morning light.