You can definitely grow morning glory in hanging baskets! Morning glory flowers can be a beautiful addition to any hanging basket, as their trailing vines will gracefully cascade down over the sides of the pot, creating a lovely display.
To grow morning glory in a hanging basket, you will need a basket with good drainage holes to ensure that excess water can escape. Choose a basket that is large enough to accommodate the growth of the plant and provide ample space for the vines to trail.
Start by filling the basket with a good quality potting mix. You can add some organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil and provide additional nutrients for the plants. Make sure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Next, sow the morning glory seeds in the soil, following the instructions on the seed packet for proper spacing and depth. Gently press the seeds into the soil and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds gently to settle them in.
Place the hanging basket in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning glories thrive in full sun, but they can tolerate a bit of afternoon shade as well. If your garden doesn’t receive enough sunlight, you can supplement it with artificial grow lights to ensure proper growth.
Water the morning glory plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but don’t let it become bone dry.
As the morning glory plants grow, you may need to provide support for the vines to trail on. You can attach a trellis or a small wire frame to the hanging basket to give the vines something to climb on. This will help create a more organized and aesthetically pleasing display.
Morning glories are fast-growing plants, and you will soon be rewarded with beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. These flowers typically open in the morning and close by midday, hence their name. However, some varieties, such as the ‘Grandpa Ott’ cultivar, may stay open longer into the day.
To enhance the beauty of your hanging basket, you can consider mixing morning glories with other climbers. Moonflower vine, for example, opens its fragrant white flowers in the evening, creating a stunning contrast to the morning glory blooms. This combination can create a captivating display that changes throughout the day.
In terms of maintenance, morning glories are relatively low-maintenance plants. However, you may need to prune them occasionally to control their growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy. Regular deadheading of faded flowers can also encourage more blooms and prevent the plants from going to seed too quickly.
Growing morning glory in hanging baskets can be a delightful and rewarding experience. The trailing vines and vibrant flowers will add a touch of beauty and charm to your outdoor space. Enjoy the process of nurturing these lovely plants and watching them flourish!
