How to Grow and Take Care of Morning Glories

Soak morning glory seeds overnight to soften the hard seed coat and make it easier for the plant embryo to emerge during germination.

Choose a sunny area for planting, preferably along an established fence or other existing support. Prepare garden soil for planting after danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cultivate soil to a depth of 10 inches, breaking up clods and removing stones.

Make a narrow planting trench, using the trowel, alongside but about 4 inches away from the fence or support and 1/2-inch deep. Sow presoaked seeds about 6 inches apart. Cover seeds with 1/2 inch of fine topsoil and firm soil over the seeds. Thoroughly water the planted area and keep seedbed moist. Seeds will germinate in seven to 21 days.

Thin or transplant young plants to stand 12 inches apart when seedlings are 1 inch tall. Water transplants and any disturbed plants well, to prevent root shock.

Train plants up and onto the support as plants grow. Vines will twine around available supports and anchor themselves firmly as leaves develop and begin to cover the fence, trellis or other support.

Water vines regularly and deeply, if summer rains aren't enough, but not too frequently -- just often enough to keep foliage from wilting. Too much water encourages foliage at the expenses of flowers.