Ipomoea tricolor, the Mexican morning glory, is a highly ornamental annual climbing vine native to tropical Mexico and Central America. It features trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white with distinctive white and yellow markings. This vigorous vine germinates quickly and reliably when seeds are properly pre-treated, making it ideal for rapid garden coverage.
Before sowing
Mechanical scarification followed by warm water soaking is essential. Seeds have a hard coat that must be broken for reliable germination.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Pre-treat seeds by scarifying with sandpaper and soaking in warm water for 12-24 hours before sowing. Sow 1/4 inch deep in moist, well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep soil temperature at 65-85°F and maintain high humidity until germination occurs (7-14 days). Use a clear plastic cover or humidity dome. Newly germinated seedlings require humidity and consistent moisture. Transfer seedlings to larger containers as soon as they develop roots. Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors after the last frost. Plant in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Despite its frost-tender nature, the species self-seeds prolifically and can provide flowers from summer through first frost.
Sources: Epic Gardening, Seed Needs, Territorial Seed, PFAF Plant Database, NC State Extension, Wikipedia, Seed Terra
