Collecting Morning Glory Seeds: A Complete Guide

Are you interested in collecting morning glory seeds? Perhaps you want to create a beautiful vertical garden, attract hummingbirds and butterflies, or simply enjoy the stunning blooms that these plants produce. Whatever your reason may be, gathering these seeds can seem like a daunting task if you've never done it before. In this guide, we'll explore how to collect morning glory seeds and make the process easy and enjoyable for you.

1. Understanding Morning Glory Plants

Before you start collecting morning glory seeds, it's essential to understand the nature of these plants. Morning glory plants belong to the Convolvulaceae family and grow as twining vines or shrubs. They have heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, white, and red.

Most morning glory plants are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. However, some species are perennials and can live for several years. The best time to collect morning glory seeds is in late summer or early fall when the seed pods start to dry out and turn brown.

2. Finding Morning Glory Seed Pods

The first step in collecting morning glory seeds is to find the seed pods. These pods are small, round, and usually appear at the base of the flower stem. As the flowers fade, the pods start to develop and grow until they reach their full size.

To locate the seed pods, you need to inspect the morning glory plants regularly. Look for pods that are plump, firm, and have changed color from green to brown. You can also feel the pods to see if they're ready to harvest. If they're hard and crack when you squeeze them gently, then they're ripe and ready to go.

3. Harvesting Morning Glory Seeds

Once you've found the seed pods, it's time to harvest the morning glory seeds. To do this, you need to remove the pods from the plant using a pair of scissors or pruning shears. Make sure you cut the stem below the pod to avoid damaging the plant. Alternatively, you can use your fingers to snap the pods off gently.

After you've collected the seed pods, take them indoors and spread them out on a flat surface. Allow them to dry completely for a few days until they're brittle and easy to break open. When the pods are dry, gently crush them with your fingers to release the seeds.

4. Storing Morning Glory Seeds

Storing morning glory seeds is crucial to ensure their viability and longevity. After you've harvested the seeds, place them in an airtight container such as a glass jar or plastic bag. Label the container with the date and species of the seeds so that you can keep track of them.

You should store morning glory seeds in a cool, dry, and dark location such as a pantry or closet. Avoid exposing the seeds to direct sunlight or moisture, as this can decrease their quality and cause them to spoil. Properly stored morning glory seeds can last up to three years and still germinate successfully.

Plump Morning Glory Seed Pods

5. Propagating Morning Glory Seeds

Collecting morning glory seeds is not only a way to create a beautiful garden but also a means of propagation. You can use the seeds to grow new plants and share them with others.

To propagate morning glory seeds, sow them directly into well-draining soil or in seed trays filled with potting mix. Before planting the seeds, scarify them, which means scratching or nicking the seed coat to allow water and air to penetrate more easily. You can use sandpaper or a nail clipper to scarify the seeds gently.

Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and water them thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pots or trays in a warm, bright location such as a window sill or greenhouse. The seeds should germinate within two weeks, and you can transplant the seedlings into larger containers or outdoors once they've developed a few leaves.

Morning Glory Seedling

6. Precautions When Collecting Morning Glory Seeds

While collecting morning glory seeds is a fun and rewarding activity, there are a few precautions that you should take to ensure your safety and the health of the plants.

First, always wear gloves when handling morning glory seed pods, as the sap and seeds can be toxic and cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Second, make sure that you don't collect seeds from hybrid varieties, as they may not produce true-to-type offspring. Finally, never eat morning glory seeds, as they contain alkaloids that can cause hallucinations, nausea, and other adverse effects.

Collecting morning glory seeds is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of these plants and propagate them for future generations. With a little patience and care, you can gather the seeds, store them properly, and use them to create a gorgeous garden. Remember to take precautions when handling the seeds and always follow proper gardening practices to ensure success.

Morning glory, gardening, seeds, propagation, plants, flowers, outdoor activities