Ipomoea purpurea 'Grandpa Ott's'
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MORNING GLORY
Family: Convolvulaceae
Geographic Origin
Garden.
Plant Group
Annual vine.
Attributes
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Hardiness
Sunset zones: All zones (Western).
USDA zones: All zones.
As an annual.
Mature size
Height: 10-12 feet (3-3.5 m)
Flowering period
Summer until frost.
Flowering attributes
Funnel shaped flowers of deep purple with a rose star blending to a white throat.
Leaf attributes
Large, heart-shaped leaves.
Growth habit
Twining climber.
Culture
Light
Full sun.
Soil
Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Miscellaneous
Propagation Methods
Sow seed in situ in spring after all danger of frost is over and soil has warmed up.
I successfully start morning glory plants early in the greenhouse. In late April I soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours and then plant seed in seed starting medium and place the seed flat on the heat mat in the greenhouse. Just after seeds germinate, the small seedlings are transplanted into deep pots with a soil based potting medium. They continue to grow in the greenhouse on cold days and brought outside on warmer days until late May. The plants are then brought outside to harden off. Around early June when the soil has warmed, they are carefully transplanted outdoors with as little disturbance to the roots as possible. A handful of complete organic fertilizer is mixed into each planting hole at the time of planting.
If you don't have a greenhouse start your seeds indoors about 2 weeks before last frost. Place in a bright window but take them outside for the day during warm spells. Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor living and when soil temperatures warm up transplant seedlings in the ground.
Pests and Diseases
Spider mites, white blister, rust, fungal leaf spots, stem rot, and thread blight may be a problem.
Rainy Side Notes
In 1972 John Ott passed this morning glory variety from Bavaria down to his grand daughter -- Diane Whealy. This deep purple flower was the inspiration to start the The Seed Saver's Exchange.
Morning glory's growth spurts are amazing. In early May I. 'Grandpa Ott's' is still a tiny seedling in a pot. Planted out in early June, by July it can cover a fence or obelisk completely. The obelisk in photo above was covered by 6 plants planted around its base. Protect from slugs and snails while plants are small.
Do not ingest any part of this plant.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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