Morning Glories are such a fantastic addition to any garden. Whether you’re looking to cover up a bare spot in the yard, create a natural privacy screen for your balcony, or just want some decorative shade on the patio, these climbers have you covered. They’re becoming a huge favorite among gardeners, and the best part? They are incredibly easy to grow from seed yourself!
Harvesting Morning Glory Seeds
You can find all sorts of Morning Glory varieties at the garden center these days. Those iconic trumpet-shaped flowers come in a rainbow of colors that really make your garden pop. If you decide to grow a few different colors together, you might even get a fun surprise next year—sometimes they cross-pollinate and create brand-new color combos!
The key to harvesting the seeds is patience. You’ll want to wait until they are fully ripe, which usually happens in the fall around October. Keep an eye on the seed pods; once they turn brown and feel a bit brittle or “papery,” they’re ready to go. Here’s the best way to collect them:
- Carefully snip or pull the pods off the vine.
- Pro tip: Hold a plastic bag or a glass jar underneath while you work. Those tiny seeds love to make a run for it, and picking them up off the ground is a total headache!
- Once you’ve gathered them, gently crush the pods to release the seeds and separate them from the husks.
- Make sure the seeds are completely dry, then store them in a cool, dark, and dry spot until you’re ready for planting.
Using Your Seeds for Propagation
If you want your Morning Glories to start blooming early in the summer, I highly recommend starting them indoors. A cozy windowsill away from drafts is the perfect spot. They really thrive when you keep the temperature steady between 65° and 70°F (18°–21°C).
Once they’ve grown into sturdy little seedlings, you can transplant them to their permanent home outside. One thing to keep in mind when starting them indoors: Morning Glory seeds are “dark germinators.” This means they need a bit of darkness to get going, so don’t put them in a spot with overly intense, direct light until they’ve sprouted.
A Quick Safety Note
One important thing to remember is that Morning Glory seeds can be toxic if ingested. Because of this, always give your hands a good scrub after handling or harvesting them. Also, make sure your storage jars are tightly sealed and kept well out of reach of curious kiddos and pets. Stay safe and happy gardening!
