Japanese morning glory care guide
Ipomoea nil
Also known as: Morning glory, Ipomoea nil
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Compounds in the seeds have been linked to vomiting, diarrhea, unsteadiness and agitation in dogs and cats; store seed especially well out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Japanese morning glory
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every day
- Water seedlings once the topsoil dries and, as the vines grow in summer, about daily, morning and evening in the hottest weather, as a guide.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 2 days
- A plant still flowering in fall wants thorough water when dry, usually about every one to two days as it cools.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- An annual that dies around the first frost: no watering is needed in winter, and generally you just store the dried seed for spring.
Light and placement for Japanese morning glory
Full sun outdoors all day is the guide; in low light the vines grow but flower less, and light from streetlamps or windows at night can stop bud formation.
Overwintering Japanese morning glory
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
An annual that is not overwintered: generally collect seed in fall and sow again around May, keeping the seed in an envelope somewhere cool and dry.
Fertilizing and repotting Japanese morning glory
Fertilizer
Mix slow-release fertilizer in at planting and give liquid feed about every one to two weeks from the true-leaf stage to September; too much nitrogen gives vines instead of flowers.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Japanese morning glory
- Sown in cold April it fails to germinate and seedlings stall.
- Drying out in midsummer wilts the plant and drops the buds.
- Lit at night, the vines grow but it does not bloom.
Tips for growing Japanese morning glory
- Soaking seed overnight or nicking the coat gives even germination.
- Pinching the tip at five to eight true leaves multiplies side shoots and flowers.
- Set up a ring support before the vines run and wind them on as they grow.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
