How to Grow Glory Vines

Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last spring frost unless you live in USDA zones 9 through 11. In the warmer areas, morning glories can be started any time of the year.

Examine the seeds to locate the hilum or germ eye, a small dent where the seed sprouts. On the opposite side of the eye, nick each of the seeds. To nick the seed, use a dull knife or file to scrape away part of the outer coating.

Soak the nicked seeds overnight in a shallow pan filled with water.

Plant the soaked seeds in small pots or a flat filled with seed-starting mix. Do not use garden soil to start the seeds. The seeds should be planted to the depth listed on the package. Water the soil lightly and cover the containers with plastic wrap to seal in moisture. Place the containers in an area that remains between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the plastic and move the container to a sunny location once the seeds germinate and sprout. A window with a southern exposure is best; otherwise you should use a fluorescent grow light to prevent the plants from getting too leggy. Keep the soil moist.

Choose a location in full sun with moist soil to plant your seedlings. Your plants can be moved outside around mid-April once the ground is warm and all danger of frost has passed.

Prepare the soil by working in about 3 to 6 inches of organic material such as manure and removing all weeds.

Set a trellis in the soil for the vine to climb. Morning glories are twining vines and need something that they can wrap around in order to grow up. As your vine gets longer, you can train it by tying pieces of the vine loosely with string to the trellis.

Plant the morning glories about 24 to 36 inches apart. Once established, morning glories need little care. They rarely need fertilizer and can even handle dry soils. The vines should reseed themselves and grow on their own the following year.