Cover a fence or trellis with the gorgeous, Blue Picotee Morning Glory, from freshly harvested Ipomoea nil seeds. Blue Picotee will produce vining plants that display 5 inch, star shaped flowers. Each vine is lined with hundreds of leaves, which are equally attractive to its colorful blooms. The inner parts of the petals are deep blue, and the outer edges are lined with a light blue to white color. Blue Picotee Morning Glory vines will reach a mature length of up to 10 to 15 feet long. They are popularly used to cover fences, and can also be used in front-yard flower gardens, to wrap around pillars and railings as well. Butterflies, bumblebees and other beneficial insects will cling to these beauties.
Morning Glories, such as the Blue Picotee strain, are categorized as annual flowering vines. These vines and climbers will grow quickly within a single growing season, producing green leaves and colorful flowers, all through the summer months. The plants will wilt with the first frost, but can be regrown the following season, if seeds are collected from its spent blooms.
Blue Picotee will go great with a number of other vining plants, including other varieties of Ipomoea, or “Morning Glory” as well. Mix and match with some popular favorites, such as heavenly blue, black kniolas, grandpa ott, and more! We also offer the Red Picotee Morning Glory, which produces the same, star shaped blooms.
Sowing The Seed
You will notice that Morning Glory seeds consist of a hard outer shell. Before sowing these seeds, they should be prepped by scarification or soaking. Sometimes you can even consider both methods. Nick the seeds with sandpaper or a knife and soak in warm water, for 24 hours. If starting indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Place the seeds at a depth of 1/2″ under topsoil. Transplant, or direct sow into the garden when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Morning Glory plants will thrive in the heat of summer and prefer an area of full sunlight. Temperatures should be at least 70F or higher. The soil should be average to sandy, but also well drained. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily until germination has occurred, watering less frequently as time goes on.
Germination & Growth
Morning Glory seeds typically germinate within roughly 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants are known to grow and establish with the support of a fence or trellis. Each vine can grow to a mature length of 10 to 15 feet long, displaying large, trumpet shaped flowers all summer long. Each plant can be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart, depending on the thickness of coverage you desire. Morning Glories are known to attract all sorts of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees & hummingbirds as well.